John, 50 years ago, President Nixon devastated the lives of millions of Americans with 12 simple words:
"America's public enemy number one in the United States is drug abuse."
Let’s make this clear: The "war on drugs" was one of the deadliest and most harmful policies on Black and brown people. For 50 years, it has destroyed the lives of too many Americans and their families. This trauma has been felt through generations and has a direct relationship to the racist over-policing of Black, brown, Indigenous, and low-income communities today.
That's why Cori and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman introduced a bill this week to decriminalize drug possession and shift regulatory authority to the Department of Health and Human Services.
It's past time to repair this harm. According to a national poll, 83% of voters believe the "war on drugs" has failed and 66% support replacing criminal penalties for drugs with health-centered approaches.
John, Cori is committed to saving Black lives and making this legislation a reality. But the far-right is preparing their attacks on Cori now, so we need to be ready with the resources to fight back. Will you chip in $5 or anything you can to power the work Cori is doing in Congress to end this war on our people?
For too long, policy has been solely focused on draconian punishments that only compound harm. We can't wait any longer to put wellness and compassion ahead of failed policies and trauma.
In Cori's home district of St. Louis, the racist policing incited by Nixon's "war on drugs" robbed her community of so many lives. Growing up, Cori saw Black people arrested for marijuana possession at three times the rate of white people even though usage rates are similar. Now, as our Congresswoman, Cori is fighting to end this cycle of punishment, pain, shame, and isolation.
The Drug Policy Reform Act would expunge existing records, provide for resentencing, re-invest in health-centered approaches, and incentivize state and local governments to adopt decriminalization policies as well.
We're ready to pass this bill because St. Louis and communities like it are counting on it. If you want to support this work, make a donation today to power Cori's legislating and organizing efforts in Congress.
Together,
Team Cori
