Since the 1970s, New York–and the nation–has wasted time and money incarcerating nonviolent drug offenders. Even while drug policy analysts, criminologists, activists, and families of people addicted to drugs continued to explain that resources could be better spent on treatment and rehabilitation, policymakers seemed unwilling to reconsider an overhaul of the Rockefeller Drug Laws, which included mandatory sentences and punitive responses to addiction. Until now!

NY lawmakers are expected to approve sweeping reforms to the existing Rockefeller Drug Laws, the most important of which is reinstating judicial discretion in cases involving first- and second-time nonviolent drug offenses. Under the new structure, judges could divert certain drug-related cases to drug court and to other community-based alternatives to incarceration. In this effort, it will be important to ensure that there are culturally-competent resources in the community that include comprehensive, wraparound interventions for those being released from prison, and for those who struggle with addiction. It will also be important for lawmakers to devise diversion criteria that do not disproportionately exclude African Americans, and other people of color, from participation in alternative treatment options because of prior offenses. If these reforms are a signal that our criminal justice system is ready to correct the erroneous, draconian laws that prevented people from receiving the services they needed, let’s make sure that these reforms are applied in a fair and equitable way.

The opportunity is here!

Copyright 2009 Monique W. Morris

This past weekend, news broke that at least 3% of Washington, DC’s population has AIDS or is HIV positive. The rates for African Americans in general, and men in particular are much higher, at more than 4% and nearly 7%, respectively. These rates far surpass the threshold to be considered a “generalized and severe epidemic” according to the 2008 epidemiology report. Alarming as these rates are, they are certain to be lower than the actual rate, as many cases are still undiagnosed. This is a painful reality given the preventive resources available in this country.

For years, racial disparities have been documented with regard to the spread of HIV among African American women and men; and now its time we start to deal with this epidemic head on. Clearly, we need a new message–using innovative, new media–to curb risky behaviors and promote the simple truth that this is a major health crisis that affects everyone. It is time we engage everyone we love and remind them that it is important to get tested and it is important to use condoms–and we may just have to start with some of our most powerful world leaders.

Today, Pope Benedict XVI, leader of the Catholic Church, was in Cameroon discouraging the use of condoms as a strategy to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS. Quite the gamble with human life, I’d say. Thankfully, President Obama and other world leaders have emphasized the importance of getting tested. Hopefully, informed people in Cameroon and other African nations, including those among the African Diaspora, will prioritize healthy outcomes and reject the dogmas that debilitate our bodies, our minds, and our spiritual growth. Get tested for AIDS—and please, use a condom.

Copyright 2009 Monique W. Morris

Yesterday, surrounded by a few thousand people in Los Angeles, I listened intently to thought leaders explore various issues affecting the Black community. On this 10th anniversary of the State of the Black Union, presented by Tavis Smiley, there was a thoughtful discussion that ranged from whether America is truly “post-racial” (or ought to even seek such aspirations) to whether our collective psychology can truly reconcile the dual consciousness described by W.E.B. DuBois so long ago. Ultimately, the conversation echoed the sentiment that we need accountability–from our leaders, from the people we serve, and from ourselves. Tavis Smiley’s new book, Accountable: Making America As Good As Its Promise, appears to be a sound guide to what will ultimately be a continued effort toward achieving that goal.

While the majority of the discourse on both panels did not necessarily present new information–we’re in a recession, African Americans suffer all the more under intense economic conditions, African American men and women are disproportionately and unfairly impacted by the criminal justice system, Barack Obama is a phenomenal achievement, but we still have work to do–sometimes it is just good to be in the company of like-minded folks so that we can reach out and touch others as interested, as concerned, and as committed to lifting up African American people as we are. The eloquence of the panels is undeniable, and I, for one, will continue to reach out to many of them to determine where we can apply our talents and organizational thrusts toward a collective action in favor of social justice; or as Dr. Cornell West puts it, the unobstructed expression of love.

But of course, “even the soldiers need a break sometimes” and last night, did we get it! My favorite artist, Prince, performed in a private event benefitting the Tavis Smiley Foundation. It is always a pleasure to see Prince perform, and when he is having fun, the vibe is all the more inviting. What made the event even more outstanding was the convergence of my two favorite worlds–one intellectual and one funky–producing a moment in time where Michael Eric Dyson felt free to perform the robot and Cornell West shook his body (um…bottom) to the ground; where Julianne Malveaux and Trish Rose sang along side Shelby J. and Liv Warfield; and where the rest of us could cheer them on with great enthusiasm. In all, the groove was got–on spiritual, intellectual, and emotional levels.

The State of the Black Union is complex, at times confounding, and always an indicator of how well we are as a nation. I’m glad we commit ourselves to reflecting on it each year.

Congratulations, young scholars who benefit from The Tavis Smiley Foundation and good luck with your collegiate goals and lifetime aspirations!

Congratulations, Tavis Smiley, for another year of inspired dialogue and movement toward public education and accountability!

Our work continues.

Copyright 2009 Monique W. Morris