Unveiling the Vivid and Frank History of 'When Crack Was King' by Donovan X. Ramsey

In his book "When Crack Was King: A People's History of a Misunderstood Era," journalist Donovan X. Ramsey explores the crack epidemic of the 1980s and '90s, shedding light on the misconceptions perpetuated by mainstream media and the political motivations behind them. Ramsey follows the stories of four individuals who lived through the epidemic, highlighting the economic isolation of poor communities of color, the impact of the War on Drugs, and the ease of turning cocaine into crack. The book also delves into the profound grief experienced by Black Americans due to the loss of leaders and missed opportunities for progress. Ramsey's work emphasizes the need for better responses to drug epidemics and the importance of community resilience in the face of state policies and violence.