Since I first studied the introduction and rise of crack cocaine in America, I have been acutely aware of the disparity among races with this particular drug. In those days, whenever a “crack head” was mentioned, I got a mental image of a poor, dirty, black man or woman who would do anything for a hit. It did not dawn on me that I associated race with this image until I examined the issue academically. I later learned that this mental picture was no accident.
The debate about this particular drug has long been brewing, and one of the major issues involved is race. Crack is a cheap derivative of powder cocaine, but is more potent and potentially more addictive. This spelled disaster among already struggling populations. Because of this, accusations that crack was intentionally planted in black communities was born.
Intentional infiltration or not, the reality is that poor black communities are hit hardest by crack cocaine. Not only that, but the attack is on two fronts: the negative effects from using the drug directly, and the sentences that are handed down in courts for offenses involving crack. An independent panel is now considering reducing crack cocaine sentences at the federal level. There’s talk of making the change retroactive, which would mean that thousands of offenders would be released immediately. And going forward, the sentencing for crack cocaine offenses would more closely match those of powder cocaine.
Naturally, there is an element of fear associated with the idea of freeing a large number of criminals. But I don’t think this fear should override the desire for equitable treatment in the judicial system. It is widely known that blacks make up a disproportionate amount of the incarcerated. This step would be the beginning of righting that wrong. What I would like to know, however, is whether the message will be misconstrued. In keeping with Whitney Houston, crack is still wack. But I can’t help but think some offender might see this as a relief as opposed to what it is: a deterrent that’s been made fairer in terms of the law.
