Marshall Poe

New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery

Marshall Poe

  • Ryan Reft, "Heroin and Chocolate City: Black Community Responses to Drug Addiction in the Nation’s Capital, 1967-1973" (2024)

Ryan Reft, "Heroin and Chocolate City: Black Community Responses to Drug Addiction in the Nation’s Capital, 1967-1973" (2024)

Monday 20th May 2024

Explore D.C.'s heroin epidemic in the late 60s and early 70s with historian Ryan Reft. Discover community responses and the intersection of Black Nationalism.
55 minutes
Informative
Inspiring
Educational
Engaging
Supportive

About this podcast

New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery
Author:
Marshall Poe
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Family Recovery from Addiction
Relationships & Community
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Heroin and Chocolate City: A Deep Dive into D.C.'s Drug Crisis

Episode Overview

  • Explores D.C.'s unique approach to heroin addiction in the late 60s and early 70s.
  • Highlights the role of Black Nationalism in shaping local drug policies.
  • Discusses grassroots efforts led by figures like Colonel San Jaru Ahmed.
  • Examines the impact of federal intervention on local initiatives.
  • Provides historical context for understanding current drug policy debates.
D.C. is at the forefront, the avant-garde of every form of treatment response that was federalized and nationalized on a subsequent level
Step into the gripping world of Washington, D.C., during the late 60s and early 70s with historian Ryan Reft. In this episode, Ryan shares his deep dive into the black community's response to the heroin epidemic in the nation’s capital. From grassroots activism to the intersection of Black Nationalism and drug policy, you'll get a front-row seat to the historical dynamics that shaped D.C.'s unique approach to drug addiction.
Ryan Reft, a historian at the Library of Congress, brings his expertise to light, revealing how local figures like Colonel San Jaru Ahmed and initiatives like the Black Men's Development Corporation played pivotal roles in addressing heroin addiction before federal intervention took over. The episode explores how these community-driven efforts were both innovative and controversial, shedding light on the broader social and political context of the time. Host Emily Duffton guides the conversation, making complex historical narratives accessible and engaging.
Whether you're a history buff or someone interested in addiction recovery, this episode offers valuable insights and compelling stories that resonate with today's ongoing discussions about drug policy and community resilience. Don't miss out on this fascinating exploration of a critical moment in D.C.'s history. Tune in to understand how past struggles and triumphs can inform our present and future approaches to addiction recovery.