It may have started out like any other workday, but veteran KMOJ radio personality Walter “Q Bear” Banks soon discovered that Monday, February 17, 2020, was his day—literally.
In front of a room full of colleagues, friends, family, and well-wishers at the KMOJ office in North Minneapolis, the broadcasting legend was surprised with the news that Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey had issued a proclamation designating February 17 as “Walter ‘Q Bear’ Banks Day” in the City of Minneapolis.
WATCH: Surprise announcement of Walter “Q Bear” Banks Day proclamation via Facebook Live
“It is quite amazing to get recognized, especially when you have no concept or idea that it’s taking place,” he said of the surprise. “I’m bubbling over inside, but I’m trying my hardest not to cry because I don’t want them to see me like that.
“At the same time, to get people that care about you—that really care, for real—to do something in this manner, it’s a blessing.”
Banks already had a vision for future Walter “Q Bear” Banks Days. “On this particular day, come next year, it’s going to be an outdoor event somewhere. We’ll have something for the kids, something for adults, and it’s going to be a lovely day. You gotta stay tuned!”
Read the proclamation below. Find more on Walter “Q Bear” Banks’ storied career here and here.
“Whereas, the City of Minneapolis and the entire Twin Cities region benefits from the dedication and commitment of the legendary Walter Q Bear Banks, Jr. and
Whereas, Walter Q Bear Banks, Jr. has dedicated 40-plus years of service to 89.99 KMOJ ‘The People’s Station’ and the community and
Whereas, Walter Q Bear Banks, Jr. is an on-air broadcaster and server, community liaison, director, speaker, and mentor, and holds a high honor in his community and
Whereas, we owe a substantial debt and gratitude to Walter Q Bear Banks, Jr. the originator of 89.9 KMOJ The People Station and the heartbeat of the community and
Whereas, Walter Q Bear Banks, Jr. is a model citizen who has brought people together with music, community events, and resources and
Whereas, Walter Q Bear Banks, Jr. has graced the airwaves with over 14,000 on-air broadcasts on 89.9 KMOJ The People Station and
Whereas to the young and old listeners of all ethnic backgrounds he has become the super-server of the Twin Cities.
Now and therefore I, Jacob Frey, the mayor of Minneapolis, do hereby proclaim February 17, 2020, and every February 17 after this as Walter Q Bear Banks Day in the City of Minneapolis.”
