But rather than jet-setting with Fowler, Lucas discovered drugs and the drug trade at the height of the so-called war on drugs. It was a time when drug abuse in communities of colour was not seen as the public health issue that opioids are today.
Facing decades-long imprisonment, Lucas received a rare bit of mercy. He got treatment, early release and what many would consider a fresh start.
Later, Lucas started a landscaping company, he said, because nobody would hire me because I have a felony.
Lucas was caught up in a system that imposes lifetime limits on most people who have served time for drug crimes, with little thought given to their ability to rehabilitate. In addition to being denied employment, those with criminal records can be limited in their access to business and educational loans, housing, child custody rights, voting rights and gun rights.
The Nashville Ledger
tnledger.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from tnledger.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
50 years later: How the war on drugs increased inequality in America
csmonitor.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from csmonitor.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The Skanner News - 50-Year War on Drugs Imprisoned Millions of Black Americans
theskanner.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from theskanner.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.