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'When Crack Was King' chronicles the misunderstood history of the crack epidemic

'When Crack Was King' chronicles the misunderstood history of the crack epidemic

FromNPR's Book of the Day


'When Crack Was King' chronicles the misunderstood history of the crack epidemic

FromNPR's Book of the Day

ratings:
Length:
9 minutes
Released:
Jul 19, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

In his new nonfiction book, When Crack Was King, Donovan X. Ramsey explores how the crack cocaine epidemic of the '80s and '90s shaped people, neighborhoods and entire communities, particularly for Black and low-income folks. He writes portraits of those who struggled with addiction, those who sold the drug, and those who tackled policy and decriminalization. In today's episode, Ramsey tells NPR's Ayesha Rascoe why he wanted to dispel the myth of the "superpredator," and how societal views on addiction changed once people of color were no longer the face of it.
Released:
Jul 19, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

In need of a good read? Or just want to keep up with the books everyone's talking about? NPR's Book of the Day gives you today's very best writing in a snackable, skimmable, pocket-sized podcast. Whether you're looking to engage with the big questions of our times – or temporarily escape from them – we've got an author who will speak to you, all genres, mood and writing styles included. Catch today's great books in 15 minutes or less.