

305: Shaka Senghor | Writing My Wrongs
Jan 28, 2020
Shaka Senghor, a prominent voice in criminal justice reform and author of "Writing My Wrongs," shares his transformative journey from youth in a troubled Detroit neighborhood to being incarcerated for 19 years. He delves into the impact of the crack epidemic, the trauma faced by kids drawn to drug dealing, and the potential healing effects of the current opioid crisis. Discussing the importance of mental health in breaking cycles of recidivism, Shaka emphasizes the need for empathy, forgiveness, and reform within a broken system.
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Detroit Childhood
- Shaka Senghor grew up in Detroit, initially in an idyllic, diverse neighborhood.
- The introduction of crack cocaine in the mid-80s dramatically changed his community and led him down a different path.
Cereal Indulgence
- As a young teen, Shaka's first significant drug money purchase was a variety of sugary cereals.
- This highlights the distorted innocence of youth within the adult world of drug dealing.
Hidden Trauma of Drug Culture
- Drug culture, particularly in hip-hop, often glorifies the material gains while ignoring the trauma.
- The fear, paranoia, and trauma experienced by young people in this lifestyle are rarely discussed.