Walls of Prophecy and Protest

“Without a doubt this book is the most important work written on William Walker. It illuminates how living and caring on the South Side of Chicago shaped Walker and how deep his national impact on mural making as a social practice was in the second half of the twentieth century.” —Kymberly N. Pinder, author of Painting the Gospel: Black Public Art and Religion in Chicago

"Jeff W. Huebner’s meticulously researched, clearly written book, Walls of Prophecy and Protest: William Walker and the Roots of a Revolutionary Public Art Movement . . . elucidates Walker’s life and the historical, political and social environment on the South Side of Chicago where many of his murals were painted. Huebner parses the murals, most no long extant, and narrates the building of community among collaborating artists and in the streets as Walker painted . . . Huebner has a journalist’s gift for narrative, and while he hits all of the important art historical points, compelling stories give his account a sense of human drama . . ." —Janina Ciezadlo, New Art Examiner

"Jeff W. Huebner’s important, well-researched and affectionate Walls of Prophecy & Protest: William Walker & the Roots of a Revolutionary Public Art Movement goes a long way toward making sure that Walker and the origins of the community mural trend don’t get lost in the fog of the past." —Patrick T. Reardon, Third Coast Review

"Huebner’s Walls of Prophecy and Protest preserves a moment in time since eroded by financial pressures and systemic racism . . . Scholars interested in African American history and culture, public art, social protest movements, or memory will find this an engrossing, albeit often tragic, read." —K. B. Hannel, Saint Leo University in CHOICE