Gregory Kent Walker Jr. was a beloved father, a brother, a son, an uncle and an innocent black man. Walker was loved by his community, honorably given the nickname “Streetz.” Raynelle Walker, describes Greg as a person who was full of love, a person who could light up any room. “He was a protector, a big brother, and a bright presence in the lives of so many,” she says.
In the early hours of May 19, 2018. Walker was gunned down in his family home during a robbery attempt. Walker would lose his life in a violent spree of shootings becoming one of four victims entangled in the violent order of gunfire that Saturday morning.
Walker was a Waterloo East High School Alumni, a youth league basketball coach for students in Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota as well as an attendee of the Pilgrim of Rest Baptist church. Walker was survived by his two sons, Jayden and Kani Walker and daughters De’Aija and Khiyara Walker along with his mother, stepfather, sisters, brothers, grandparents, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Shortly after the loss of Walker, his family banded together to create the Beat The Streetz foundation in 2020. Beat the Steetz is a non-profit foundation based in Waterloo, Iowa that is dedicated to raising awareness for gun violence and rebuilding the connection between the youth as well as peaceful community values. The foundation sells merchandise including hoodies, hats and t-shirts as well as hosts community events in dedication of the late Greg Walker.
“You can support the Beat The Streetz Foundation by helping us raise awareness about our mission. One way to do that is by wearing our merchandise, available at Young and Fresh Fashion in 319 Broadway St. Waterloo, Iowa. You can also show your support by attending our community events, which are listed on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Every action counts in helping us make a difference,” says Raynelle Walker.
1 in every 175 individuals in Waterloo are susceptible to becoming a victim of a violent crime with over a dozen unsolved murders in the city alone spread out over the last two decades, Walker’s case remains unsolved.
If you or anyone you know have any information on the death of Gregory Kent Walker Jr. contact the Waterloo Police Department or anonymously reach out to Cedar Valley Crime Crime Stoppers. “Keep everyone aware that gun violence is happening, gun violence is serious, and it does take tolls on different families in different ways. But it is out there, and we should all be working towards preventing it,” says Walker’s cousin Mineisha Ford.
Walker’s family has been able to cope with the loss of their loved one by raising awareness for not only Walker himself but other families and community members. Raynelle Walker states, “Hold tightly to your faith. Even when the weight feels unbearable and the world seems against you, trust that God will provide strength and direction. Never stop advocating for justice. Let your pain fuel your passion and empower your purpose. Speak your truth, your voice matters. And above all, lean on one another. Unity and support are powerful tools in the journey toward healing and change.”
The death of Walker has left an irreversible impact on the Cedar Valley. With that comes growth and a new hope for the future. This idea turned into a foundation, the Beat The Streetz foundation has helped pave an impactful and beautiful way to advocate for awareness within the youth, pushing them towards more educational and supportive environments. There are millions of families struggling with losses similar to Walker’s and they all deserve justice.
