Aswad Walker

Houston

Associate Editor at The Houston Defender

Husband, Father, Minister, Writer, Educator, Artist, Empowerment Coach

Articles

Why a 4/20 martial law order would be so on brand for Trump

5 days ago | defendernetwork.com | Aswad Walker

Pay attention. For many, April 20, 2025 is D-Day. Why? Respected national media organizations and social media sleuths alike are wondering whether or not April 20 will result in the U.S. being thrown into "martial law" via a potential Donald Trump executive order invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807. If you haven't been paying attention to the socio-political scene in this country for the past decade and/or care nothing at all about U.S. history, the threat of "martial law" means nothing to you.
Keeping the dollar close: Strengthening community wealth through intentional spending

2 weeks ago | kccallnews.net | Aswad Walker

By Aswad Walker We’re all familiar with the common refrain about needing Black dollars to stay in Black communities. But how do we make that happen specifically? And what are the actual benefits of circulating Black dollars in Black communities? Aswad Walker is associate editor for The Houston Defender. This week, he discusses how Black Americans should spend their dollars […]
Keeping the dollar close: Strengthening community wealth through intentional spending

2 weeks ago | afro.com | Aswad Walker

By Aswad WalkerWe’re all familiar with the common refrain about needing Black dollars to stay in Black communities. But how do we make that happen specifically? And what are the actual benefits of circulating Black dollars in Black communities? Multiple economists are pushing back on the idea that a dollar circulates in the Black community for six hours, compared to 17 days in the white community, 19 days in the Jewish community and 28 days in the Asian community.
Why the Black community needs Black Women’s History Month

2 weeks ago | baystatebanner.com | Aswad Walker

There is a movement afoot to honor the segment of society Malcolm X famously said was the most disrespected in the nation — Black women. And this movement isn’t waiting on anyone’s permission. Though not a federally recognized observance, individuals and organizations in several cities and states across the country annually designate April as International Black Women’s History Month (IBWHM).
The Black Press is needed now more than ever

2 weeks ago | defendernetwork.com | Aswad Walker

In 1827 the Black Press was founded with a clearly defined challenge and directive: "Too long have others spoken for us... We wish to plead our own cause."In other words, Blackfolk were tired of people who didn't have our best interests at heart, along with those who paternalistically thought they knew what we needed better than we did, making their misguided declarations to the world.
A game plan for improved economic power

2 weeks ago | defendernetwork.com | Aswad Walker

Teeba Rose recently had breakfast at the farmers market he grew up working in, the Farmers Market Partners. The establishment, run by his mother Thomasine Johnson, has a vendor lineup that's roughly 90% Black. "I bought a delicious $8 breakfast, paying $12, and told my very courteous waitress, 'Keep the change,'" Rose shared. "She restated to me with surprise, 'Your meal is just $8.' I said, 'Yes ma'am; thank you.'" Rose shared this slice-of-life moment to make a point.
How ancient African proverbs can empower Black lives today

2 weeks ago | afro.com | Aswad Walker

With each passing day the assault on all things Black increases. The Department of Defense removed the Tuskegee Airmen and Jackie Robinson from the DoD’s official webpage. The DoD no longer acknowledges Black History Month. The U.S. Army erased Civil Rights Movement hero and U.S. military veteran Medgar Evers’ marker from the Arlington National Cemetery.
Anti-DEI companies seek to bamboozle us with Blackface buffoonery

3 weeks ago | defendernetwork.com | Aswad Walker

U.S. companies are all over the map regarding the stances on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Some companies, like Target, Walmart, Lowes, John Deere, Molson Coors, McDonald's and others, are proudly discarding the past commitments to DEI and rolling with the tide of mediocre whiteness prancing around as if it's something superior. Others are doubling down on DEI support. Apple, Costco and Ben & Jerry's are just a few that are standing firm on that side of the DEI equation.
Do programs for formerly incarcerated empower or infuriate?

3 weeks ago | defendernetwork.com | Aswad Walker

Every year, Texas prisons, jails, juvenile detention centers and immigrant detainee facilities release roughly 844,000 men and 227,000 women "back into society," according to the Prison Policy Initiative ( https://www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2024/02/28/releases-sex-state/). That equates to somewhere close to one million souls who face significant barriers to reentry.
A Black political and civics lesson

1 month ago | stlamerican.com | Aswad Walker

Nearly all members of the Black world have heard the saying: “A hard head makes for a soft behind.” That’s what’s happening to Black people (and others) right now. We’re learning political lessons the hard way. Here are three we’d do well to finally internalize. One: Voting MattersThough over 90% of Black women and 80% of Black men voted against the current fascist-leaning White House administration, those numbers just reflect the Black people who showed up at the polls.