John,

This Black History Month, instead of shining a light on the storied history and impact of Black Americans in the United States, we wanted to raise awareness of the continued legacy of destruction the War on Drugs has had on Black communities, and how we can begin to rectify the almost immeasurable damage. 

Black men ages 54 to 73 are dying from overdoses at more than FOUR TIMES the rate of men of other races of the same age. You read that right – four times. According to the Harm Reduction Journal, the drug overdose death rate is rising steeply among Black people who use drugs. In New York City alone, the overdose death rate is now the highest in the Black community. 

This is proof that after nearly four decades, the War on Drugs has failed on its promise of a safer, healthier society. Instead it’s caused more deaths, disrupted millions of lives, and damaged countless families. That is why we launched our Public Health is Public Safety campaign, to encourage our lawmakers to pass drug policy that will focus on public health and treatment for those with substance use dependency, rather than punishment. Will you join us in that mission? Take the pledge to choose care over cruelty because public health IS public safety.

Provisional data from CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics indicates there were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the United States during 2023. Overdose deaths continue to devastate communities nationwide, leaving many grappling with loss and searching for ways to make a difference. This issue impacts us all.

We are at a crossroads where we can choose both public health AND public safety when it comes to how we treat drug use. But we know that incarceration is not an effective substitute for treatment. 

Americans are tired of the failed War on Drugs and its impact on our communities.

Sign our Public Health is Public Safety pledge and make a promise to do everything in your power to include, invest in, and uplift the people most impacted by the harmful approaches to drugs in America.

Sign the Pledge

Community care is the answer, not mass incarceration. We are building a movement. We hope you’ll join us. For more info, text CARE to 97483 to stay in touch with Dream.Org. 

In solidarity, 
– Dream.Org

P.S. Already signed the pledge? Check our “Get Involved” page to see our other actions and campaigns and help us continue to make change. 

Get Involved