Rev. Vernon K. Walker, Social Justice Advocate

05/15/2026

Honored to be featured in Manor College's The Nest podcast 🎙️

This episode reflects on the journey from Manor College to meaningful work, while exploring the impact of education and the importance of finding purpose through service and community.

Vernon Walker ’09 (Dobbins Technical High School, Philadelphia, Pa.) graduated from Manor College with his Associate Degree in Psychology. Vernon Walker, a Philadelphia native and graduate of Dobbins Technical High School, began his higher education journey at Manor College as a first-generation s...

05/12/2026

It was a delight to be the speaker for the Mother's Day 2026 morning service at Hyde Park Presbyterian Church!

03/10/2026

Honored to have my quote featured on the Honos Civicus Society page from Tufts University Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life.

As a Tufts alum, it’s meaningful to see the continued commitment to civic leadership, service, and community impact.

Grateful to be part of a community that values engagement beyond the classroom.

Launched by Tisch College in 2009, the Honos Civicus Society selects and publicly recognizes graduating students who engaged in meaningful service and leadership activities or otherwise strengthened civic life on campus and beyond during their time at Tufts. Available to undergraduates and graduates...

12/16/2025

💧 New Episode: Don’t Drink the Water, featuring Reverend Vernon Walker! Across Appalachia and Black communities nationwide, the water coming from our taps tells a story - one shaped by decades of disinvestment, environmental racism, and political neglect. From Flint to Jackson, families are still facing lead in their pipes, unaffordable water bills, and crumbling infrastructure that should’ve been fixed generations ago.

Even though the Safe Drinking Water Act promises clean water for all, reality paints a different picture: drinking water systems that broke federal law for years were 40% more likely to be in communities with higher populations of people of color. And when violations did trigger action? Black communities waited longer for solutions.

In today’s episode, we dive into the real threats to our drinking water, from industrial pollution to agricultural runoff to aging infrastructure, and what it will take to secure safe, affordable water for everyone.

🎙️ Tune in to “Don’t Drink the Water” and join the conversation at https://blackappalachiancoalition.substack.com/p/850a82ed-9f56-45a5-b938-8dbaaabbf257

12/14/2025

As a current online graduate student at Brown, I’m deeply saddened by yesterday's events. 💔 No community should have to face such fear on campus.

My thoughts and prayers are with all students, faculty, staff, and families affected. The resilience and care of the Brown community will carry us through.

Hundreds of police officers were searching for the gunman after he escaped into the streets of Rhode Island’s capital, officials said.

12/03/2025

I was honored to be featured on the latest Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) podcast!

This episode lifts up the voices, experiences, and leadership of Black Appalachians, and I’m grateful to share in this important conversation about justice, community, and the future of our region.

Tap in, listen, and share to help amplify this work:

The Human Cost Contamination And the Fight for Clean Water