Aswad Walker

Houston

Associate Editor at The Houston Defender

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

Articles

What is 'Power Mapping' and how does it change the community empowerment game?

4 days ago | defendernetwork.com | Aswad Walker

Many people, including noted progressive thought leader, activist, lawyer and host of a Sirius XM radio show, Lurie Daniel Favors, are promoting "Power Mapping" as a critical tool for Black people and organizations to use in these perilous socio-political times where are rights are disappearing more and more with each passing day. But just what is Power Mapping, and what do Black people need to know about it to use it to help us survive these crazy times and, prayerfully, even thrive?
Hoodies 4 Healing continues mission to feed the homeless

6 days ago | defendernetwork.com | Aswad Walker

Despite the City of Houston's efforts to stop groups from feeding the homeless, even writing citations to dissuade them, the group Hoodies 4 Healing has been feeding the homeless nonstop since 2019. So, what's its story? Six years ago, teenager Dyanna DeNae needed brain surgery, a frightening prospect for a full-grown adult.
Mother's Day giveaway

1 week ago | defendernetwork.com | Aswad Walker

Houston-born comedian Jeff Shelley describes his mother as a superhero, and for good reason. "[When I was a child], our house caught fire, and my mom saw I wasn't out of the house, so she came back in and saw me under the bed," Shelley recalled. "I could have been gone."Shelley not only survived, but he's grown up to thrive as one of the country's hottest rising comics-one with a special place in his heart for mothers.
The health of Acres Homes to get boost with new clinic

2 weeks ago | defendernetwork.com | Aswad Walker

In Acres Homes, 46% of residents are classified as obese, 18% have diabetes, 42.5% suffer from high blood pressure, 20% wrestle with poor mental health and 12% live with asthma. To say Acres Homes is in need of a serious healthcare upgrade is an understatement.
Why libraries still matter for Black youth, adults

3 weeks ago | defendernetwork.com | Aswad Walker

With Black history and Black authors being removed from classrooms and banned from curricula, libraries remain one of the few public spaces where Black children can find books and other resources that magnify their stories.
Black Press needed now, and forever

3 weeks ago | stlamerican.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, Black people 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.
The Houston Defender, Author at St. Louis American

3 weeks ago | stlamerican.com | Aswad Walker

Posted inEditorials 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, Black people were tired of people who didn’t have our best interests at heart, along with those who paternalistically thought they knew what we […]
Why a 4/20 martial law order would be so on brand for Trump

3 weeks 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

1 month 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

1 month 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.