In the 1970’s, President Nixon declared a “War On Drugs.” Billions of dollars have since been spent, millions of people incarcerated, and nearly forty years later, we are still no closer to a solution. This so-called war disproportionately targets, prosecutes and incarcerates people of color. Here in New York, more than 80 percent of those arrested for marijuana are black or Latino, despite similar rates of use among white people, and today, the city is seeing a rise in opioid use and an alarming increase in drug overdoses.
Join us on May 23rd for Whose War On Drugs? A #BHeard Town Hall. We’ll bring together stakeholders, thought leaders and Brooklyn’s communities to truly challenge the idea behind America's longest-running war, asking: Who benefits from this war? How can we begin to reverse the collateral damage to our communities? And how do we bridge the gap between public health and the criminal justice system?
The cameras stop rolling at 8:30pm, but an hour-long conversation will continue over drinks in the BRIC House lobby!
WATCH PAST #BHEARD TOWN HALLS.
ATTEND A LIVE TOWN HALL MEETING!
Moderator:
Brian Vines, BRIC TV Senior Correspondent
Panelists:
- Kassandra Frederique - New York State Director, Drug Policy Alliance
- Eric Gonzalez - Kings County District Attorney
- Dr. Hillary Kunins - Asst. Commissioner, Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene
- Tom Robbins - Contributing Writer, The Marshall Project
- Chino Hardin - Field Director, Center for NuLeadership on Urban Solutions
In Partnership With
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Venue Information:
BRIC House is Brooklyn’s cultural living room: a 40,000 square foot multi-disciplinary arts and media complex in the former Strand Theatre, where emerging and established artists can create work that deepens their practice and engages the diverse communities of the borough.
Beginning Nov. 1, 2022, attendees of any BRIC House programming will no longer have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter the building. Masks are encouraged but not required in all BRIC operated spaces. If you have questions regarding this protocol, please email Safety@bricartsmedia.org
BRIC is committed to welcoming people of all abilities. BRIC's main entrance, located on Rockwell Street, is fully accessible. In addition the main floor of BRIC House has an accessible, all-gender bathroom. The BRIC Media Center, located on the 2nd floor, is accessible via elevator. The Gallery level is accessible via a wheelchair lift. Portable FM assistive listening devices are available for programs on the Stoop and in the Ballroom upon request. To make a specific access request, or to let us know other ways we can provide you with a welcoming experience, please contact Benno Orlinsky at borlinsky@bricartsmedia.org or (718) 683-5637.