Ask any seasoned drug policy reformer about one of the biggest hurdles to overcome in reforming cannabis laws and they’ll quickly acknowledge that to be the lack of both outreach to and participation from minorities (and women). This is why the recent announcement below by the American Bar Association (ABA) to hold a seminar in New York City this August heartens me.
If drug policy reform is to make the large strides that its important mission and sense of purpose aspires, it can’t achieve such without the participation of both minorities and women in substantially larger numbers.
This important seminar is free to the public and provides continuing legal education (CLE) credits for lawyers.
The Council on Racial and Ethnic Justice is comprised of eleven members appointed by the ABA President and is committed to:
-eliminate racial/ethnic bias in the justice system by educating and involving lawyers and their bar associations
-engage lawyers and their bar associations in programs designed to eliminate racial/ethnic bias in their communities.
Alternative Solutions to the Impact of Drugs on Communities of Color
Saturday, August 9, 2:00-3:30pm, Marriott Marquis, Music Box, Majestic Complex, 6th Floor
Conclave with the leaders of color from the medical, dental, legal and other pertinent professions to discuss the impact of drugs and drug policies on communities of color. Crucial issues that confront communities of color that are combating these issues will be addressed, and an in-depth discussion on how to obtain the necessary resources, networks and tools will be discussed. This will be a complimentary CLE program.
is this going to be televised on NORML’s website since some people will not be able to make the conference?
I have to admit that as a black american woman living in a white predominant world (nation), that minorities suffer the most from existing prohibition laws. Police and other law enforcement (federal DEA) ignore middle suburbia and head for the ghettos where they can crack down on Pot, Coke, Meth, and Crack possession/trafficking…I feel that the focus should be on getting rid of true criminals–no matter their race—
I do know that drugs is tearing my community apart and sometimes I feel that the GOV’T doesn’t care…They targeted blacks and spanish to get prohibition started back in 1937….
The minority population in the U.S. must take a pro-active stance in the reform of marijuana laws. If statistical information were presented by minority leaders as to the number of ethnic men and women serving time in prison due to unjust marijuana laws, then and only then will politicians take notice. Non-ethnic activists are quickly labeled as “hippies” or “potheads” and their arguments (no matter how justified) are simply dismissed. While minority activists presenting the same information will be viewed as victims of an unjust legal system. The power of the minority vote must be taken advantage of if laws are ever going to be reformed in the U.S..