About – Healing Through Adversity

About the Author

Aswad Thomas

Aswad Thomas is a former college basketball player, gun violence survivor, community organizer, motivational speaker, public safety policy expert, and distinguished advocate for crime victims. He is renowned for his dedication to victims’ rights, community empowerment, and impactful work in victim services. With over a decade of experience, Aswad has become a pivotal voice in championing the rights of marginalized communities and advocating for systemic change.

Aswad currently serves as the Vice President of the Alliance for Safety and Justice and the National Director of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice.

In this role, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at supporting survivors of violent crime, pushing for policies that prioritize healing and prevention over punitive measures. His leadership has been instrumental in mobilizing a nationwide network of survivors and fostering community healing, support, and advocacy.

A survivor of gun violence himself, he understands the need to stop the cycle of violence in communities and help those who have been harmed to heal. While he physically recovered, he received no victim compensation or help with the psychological wounds of being a gun violence survivor.

Aswad’s personal experiences fuel his unwavering commitment to his work. He frequently shares his story and insights as a public speaker, captivating audiences with his resilience and passion for justice. His advocacy extends to legislative efforts, where he has successfully influenced policy changes at both the state and federal levels.

Throughout his career, Aswad has brought unprecedented awareness of the unique and urgent needs of victims who are most impacted by crime and violence but who have been historically underserved, with a focus on addressing unaddressed trauma. Aswad has helped pass dozens of laws to reduce incarceration and increase access to victim services, including expanding Trauma Recovery Centers across the country.

Aswad holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut, where he specialized in community organizing and urban issues. He has been recognized with several awards for his contributions to social justice, including the prestigious Survivor Voices award from the Office for Victims of Crime.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Aswad is an active community leader and mentor, dedicating his time to mentoring young people and fostering the next generation of advocates. His commitment to uplifting others and creating lasting change is the hallmark of his career.

With a profound belief in the power of collective action, Aswad Thomas continues to inspire and lead efforts toward a more equitable and just society.

Aswad’s story has been featured in the New York Times, Time Magazine, The New Yorker, NBC LX, NBC Nightly News, Huff Post, PBS, NPR, Yahoo, The Trace, The Guardian, VICE, The Root, Blavity, The Marshall Project, C-Span, and dozens of other news media outlets.

Healing Through Adversity

About the Author

Aswad Thomas

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