(Placentia, CA) The Tubman Till Museum & Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, proudly
announces the appointment of Dr. Daniel E. Walker as its Chief Scholar and Advisor. A master storyteller, social innovation guru, and one of the world’s most prolific public historians, Dr. Walker brings a profound public humanities leadership that will elevate the academic and cultural integrity of the forthcoming museum. See the video trailer at TubmanTillMuseum.org.
Dr. Eric J. Chambers, founder and president of the Tubman Till Museum, stated: “Dr. Walker’s visionary scholarship and storytelling empower us to build a museum that is not just a place—but a living legacy.” The two of them met while students at their alma mater, San Diego State University, in the early 90s. “I’ve always admired Dr. Walker’s love and compassion for being a champion of our people. Having him on board this venture is a major coup for the Tubman Till Museum,” Dr. Chambers added from his office in Placentia, CA.
Dr. Walker will lead the museum’s scholarly direction, ensuring rigorous research, inclusive
storytelling, and public engagement. His insatiable commitment to Black History positions the Tubman Till Museum as a beacon for communities, educators, and learners across the nation. “Preservation is not passive—it’s active, inclusive, and necessary for shaping our collective future,” said Dr. Walker, a native of Fontana, CA. “For history to be meaningful, it must speak to every person—across time, race, and geography. That’s what this museum will do.”
The legacies of Harriet Tubman, Emmett Till, and Mrs. Mamie Till Mobley, who was Dr. Chambers’ surrogate grandmother, will be the central attractions. The museum will also amplify the stories of abolitionists, allies, unsung heroes, as well as athletes and entertainers who have made significant contributions to society. More than a museum, it is envisioned as a media center and educational landmark dedicated to preserving Black history and beyond at a time when it faces systemic threats.
Dr. Walker is the author of No More, No More: Slavery and Cultural Resistance in Havana and New Orleans, founding director of the Gospel Music History Archive at the University of Southern California Libraries, and executive producer of How Sweet the Sound: Gospel in Los Angeles, an Emmy Award-winning series for KCET. His work has shaped landmark exhibits at the California African American Museum, USC, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Dr. Chambers is a 9-time Emmy and Golden Mike Award winner, formerly of CBS TV in
Hollywood, The Word Network, DirecTV, and The NFL Network. He is the author of six books, including the wildly popular “Dining With The Ancestors: When Heroes Come To Dinner.” The New Orleans native and Navy veteran hosts The Jazzspel, a jazz and gospel radio show in its 31st year, and The CUT Chronicles, a community talk show, both of which air on KCAA Radio, an NBC affiliate in San Bernardino, CA.
The Tubman Till Museum, slated to open in 2026 in North Orange County, will serve as a
dynamic cultural center featuring powerful exhibits, media storytelling, and educational
programs. It will also be the home of Tubman Till College, offering courses in Business
Entrepreneurship, History, and Media Studies. Designed to preserve history at a time when Black narratives face political erasure, the museum stands as a fortress of memory, truth, and justice.
