When Crack Was King

When Crack Was King is an illuminating exploration of one of the most tumultuous periods in American history, unfolding through a narrative that is as captivating as it is unsettling. In the heart of the 1980s and 1990s, crack cocaine swept through American communities, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. Donovan X. Ramsey delivers an unflinching examination of this era, piecing together the stories of those who lived through it to unravel a broader social narrative that extends beyond the drug itself. This powerful volume carefully chronicles the lives of four individuals whose stories encapsulate the harrowing impact of the crack epidemic. We meet Elgin Swift, embodying the spirit of industriousness while grappling with a childhood scarred by his father's addiction and the conversion of their home into a notorious crack house. Lennie Woodley reveals the struggle of a former addict and sex worker fighting for recovery and dignity. Kurt Schmoke, the pragmatic mayor of Baltimore during the height of the crisis, stands as a figure of foresight and advocacy, challenging the prevailing orthodoxy with calls for decriminalisation. Lastly, Shawn McCray, who rose from the turbulence of Newark's streets, contrasts his fame as a basketball prodigy with his role in the infamous Zoo Crew drug trafficking operations. Through meticulous research combined with the raw, authentic voices of survivors, Ramsey engages readers in a critical reevaluation of the crack epidemic. His narrative disrupts the simplistic myths perpetuated by the Reagan-era “war on drugs” and invites reflection on enduring societal issues, including racial injustice within the criminal justice system, the legacy of mass incarceration, and the persisting challenges of gentrification and police brutality. When Crack Was King is not only a historical account but serves as a poignant commentary on the ongoing need for systemic change and the provision of adequate resources to historically marginalised communities. Ramsey’s book has received notable accolades, having been longlisted for the National Book Award and recognised as a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. Lauded by organisations such as NPR, The Washington Post, and esteemed public figures including Bryan Stevenson, this work is a distinguished entry amongst the year's best books, earning its place on numerous recommendation lists by Time, NPR, Chicago Public Library, and more. Ultimately, Ramsey's work is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the devastating legacy of the crack epidemic and the stories of resilience that emerged from its shadows.