SCHENECTADY — William Rivas credits the late Walker Simpkins with saving his life.
Now, the likeness of the beloved community leader and sage, who died in 2025, has a permanent place at the C.O.C.O.A. House, Inc., the nonprofit based at Rivas’ childhood home, which now serves as a refuge and education center for youngsters in the Hamilton Hill neighborhood.
That’s where a crowd gathered Saturday for the unveiling and dedication of the Walter Simpkins Legacy mural…