Who Pays? The True Cost of Incarceration on Families
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Alicia was a lead facilitator, participatory researcher and co-author for this report which proves that the costs of locking up millions of people are far deeper than we think. When we lock up individuals, we break apart families and communities. This report was groundbreaking at the time in revealing the overwhelming debt, severed family bonds, and crushing mental and physical ailments that are some of the hidden consequences of mass incarceration in the United States. The report documents the disproportionate costs to Black women and offers actionable solutions.

This report is the culmination of a yearlong nationwide research project co-led by Forward Together, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and Research Action Design, in partnership with organizations across the country. The project documents the experience, resilience and vision for change of families experiencing incarceration - in their own words.

Echoing Ida
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Alicia Walters formed Echoing Ida in 2012 to uplift Black women and nonbinary writers’ and activist perspectives to shift narratives across the media landscape. Frustrated by the dearth of Black women’s voices on issues and topics directly impacting us and the corresponding dearth of communities where we could learn, practice and grow together, Alicia sought to create such a space. It developed into a beautiful, supportive and prolific community! Alicia began and led the program for five years, nurturing a community of 25 “Idas” who collectively published over 500 articles, launched podcasts, began careers in media and published an anthology of works with Feminist Press.