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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Locking Up Our Own summary
James Forman Jr.
Crime and Punishment in Black America
15 mins
Brief summary
'Locking Up Our Own' by James Forman Jr. examines how Black leaders in the 1970s and 80s helped create the harsh criminal justice policies that still impact communities of color today. The book advocates for rethinking these policies with empathy and nuance.
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Locking Up Our Own
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Washington, DC’s Black community helped halt a proposal to ease marijuana laws.
In 1975, Washington, DC, had a Black mayor and a city council primarily made up of Black people. Seventy percent of the citizens were Black, too. That same year, the city made a decision that would stigmatize young Black males for decades to follow.
During this period, proposals were made to soften marijuana-related legislation due to concerns about racial injustice.
In 1975, 80 percent of those arrested for possession of marijuana were Black. These arrests held a lifelong burden as they had to be reported on housing, schooling, and employment applications. Therefore, on March 18 of that year, David Clarke, a member of the city council, proposed the Marijuana Reform Act, which sought to lower the penalties for possession of marijuana to a fine and a citation.
However, the Black community, headed by fellow council member Doug Moore, opposed the proposal, arguing that easing penalties would make it easier for Black people to succumb to crime and addiction. The opposition was successful, and on October 21, 1975, the Reform Act was tabled.
To help understand why the reform was opposed, we need to look at the heroin epidemic in the 1960s.
In the early to mid-1960s, less than 3 percent of new prisoners at the Central Detention Facility in Washington were heroin addicts. Then came a huge spike in usage, and by June 1969, this figure had grown to 45 percent, the majority of addicts being young Black men.
There was a strong link between heroin addiction and crime. To be able to afford their drugs, addicts would resort to criminal means to make money. According to one study, heroin addicts in DC and three other US cities committed an annual average of more than 300 crimes.
The spike in criminal activity led to outrage across Black communities, and Black drug dealers were deemed to be betraying their race. Some even believed that Black heroin addicts and their passive dependence benefited the white community. In May 1969, posters that likened heroin addiction to slavery appeared across DC, printed by the antidrug organization Blackman’s Development Center.
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What is Locking Up Our Own about?
Locking Up Our Own (2017) takes a look at the US war on drugs in Washington, DC, and its impact on Black Americans. It draws on significant drug and gun legislation from the 1970s through to the late 1990s, which shaped policing methods and influenced the targeting of crime in Black communities.
Locking Up Our Own Review
Locking Up Our Own (2017) by James Forman Jr. is a thought-provoking exploration of how well-intentioned policies contributed to mass incarceration in America. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- It offers a nuanced and balanced perspective on a complex issue, challenging conventional wisdom and shedding light on the complexities of criminal justice reform.
- Rich in historical context, the book dives into the role of politics, race, and community attitudes in shaping criminal justice policies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
- Forman's meticulous research and compelling storytelling make the book a captivating read, ensuring that readers stay engaged throughout the journey.
Who should read Locking Up Our Own?
- People who want to learn about America’s war on drugs
- Those interested in the relationship between the police and Black Americans
- Anyone who wants to know about crime and judiciary procedures in Washington, DC, from 1970 to the 1990s
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Locking Up Our Own FAQs
What is the main message of Locking Up Our Own?
The main message of Locking Up Our Own is an exploration of how well-intentioned policies led to mass incarceration in America.
How long does it take to read Locking Up Our Own?
The estimated reading time for Locking Up Our Own is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Locking Up Our Own a good book? Is it worth reading?
Locking Up Our Own is worth reading as it provides a thought-provoking analysis of the factors contributing to mass incarceration in the United States.
Who is the author of Locking Up Our Own?
James Forman Jr. is the author of Locking Up Our Own.
What to read after Locking Up Our Own?
If you're wondering what to read next after Locking Up Our Own, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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