Zaki Smith Quoted in BK Reader

BK Reader reported on Brooklyn’s reaction to the House of Representatives’ historic vote to expunge federal marijuana convictions and ensure that marijuana licenses are distributed fairly and maximize employment for the Black and brown communities most harmed by the War on Drugs. As Next100 policy entrepreneur Zaki explains, legalization efforts must center equity:

“But does it go far enough? Absolutely not. They say Blacks and Latinos make up approximately 75-80% of the marijuana possession arrests and prosecutions. Will the same 75-80% of the Black and Latino population benefit from a business standpoint from this bill? Will there be means to make certain that these individuals benefit from it as well?”

Read the full piece here.