Author and journalist Donovan X. Ramsey discusses his new book 'When Crack Was King: A People’s History of a Misunderstood Era'. The podcast explores the inspiration behind the book, the context of the crack epidemic, dispelling myths, and the impact of addiction on communities. Ramsey reflects on the emotional toll of writing the book and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share this important story.
Writing and processing difficult information can have a traumatic impact on the writer's well-being and mental health.
The crack epidemic and its impact on communities of color have been highly influenced by myths, discriminatory policies, and the controversial role of the government and the CIA.
Deep dives
The Origins of the Book and the Author's Career Path
Donovan X. Ramsey returns to the show to discuss his new book, 'When Crack Was King.' After leaving the LA Times and realizing his passion for book writing and long-form journalism, Ramsey embarked on a journey to explore the crack epidemic and its impact. The book is a result of years of research, interviews, and personal experiences growing up in a neighborhood affected by crack.
The Motivation Behind Writing the Book
Ramsey explains how reading 'The Warmth of Other Suns' inspired him to write a book about the crack epidemic. He felt the epidemic was a vast and accessible topic that hadn't been fully explored. Ramsey wanted to answer basic questions about crack and understand its impact on communities of color. Through interviews and research, he sheds light on the complexities of addiction and the historical context of the crack era.
Unraveling Myths and Misconceptions
Ramsey debunks myths surrounding the crack era, such as the panic around crack babies and the belief that crack is more addictive than powder cocaine. He highlights the misguided policies and discrimination that emerged from these misconceptions. Ramsey also touches on the controversial role of the CIA and the government's involvement in the spread of crack.
The Emotional Journey and Personal Impact
Writing this book took an emotional toll on Ramsey, which he had not anticipated. The weight of getting the facts right, addressing racial injustices, and navigating personal trauma affected him deeply. He experienced anxiety, physical symptoms, and had to focus on self-care throughout the writing process. However, seeing his subjects find healing and resonance in their stories helped him find closure and hope.
“I've only ever wanted to write about Black people—and that includes the elements of our lives that are difficult. I’ve always prided myself on being able to metabolize that information and not really be harmed by it. And this book really taught me that writing and processing is not just something that you do in your head. That the information does go through you as you're trying to make sense of it. And it's not happening to you, right? It's not like a direct form of PTSD that you have, but you do experience some trauma when you open up your imagination in that way.”