Vicksburg native Larry Walker Jr. captures effects of pandemic in his first book

Vicksburg native Larry Walker Jr. released his new book this year titled “Through The Eyes of COVID-19.”

Walker began collecting images for the book in March when most of the city of Vicksburg was shutdown due to COVID-19. He created the book, which is filled with mostly images, as a visualization project recording the societal impact of the pandemic.

“I did the book for history purposes,” Walker said. “I wanted people to see the effects of COVID-19 on the visual side.”

“Through The Eyes of COVID-19″ showcases about two months worth of images taken by Walker here in Vicksburg.

Walker’s book contains photos of masked public officials in socially distanced meetings, meals being delivered to remote students by the Vicksburg-Warren School District buses, and many more images that illustrate how the pandemic has changed the way people live and work in our small town.

Folks lined up to get a copy at the book signing he held in June at the Glam House in Vicksburg. “I had a great turnout,” Walker said. “Plenty of city officials came to show their support, and I was completely sold out.”

Walker’s book is now in every school in the Vicksburg-Warren School District and in the public library for residents to see and read. He is working with schools in Madison and Lexington, Mississippi, to have his book on the shelves for those students as well.

Walker is working on a second edition, which will be titled “Life after COVID-19.” As the name suggests, the new book will contain images portraying life after reopening businesses and allowing public gatherings following months of being shut down.

To buy a copy of Walker’s book, you can message him on Facebook or head downtown to Lorelei Books for your copy.