A longtime advocate for racial and social justice with a degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, Walker, 40, got into politics at the urging of Edwards, an African American woman widely praised as a bridge-builder between the city’s haves and have-nots.

With cornucopian Fire thou giv'st me strength, Caresses and golden hours and grace of sleep.

Yeees, we're going to the zoo to see animals. There are lions and tiggers and snakes and heffalumps.

A woman impudent and mannish grown Is not more loathed than an effeminate man In time of action.