Date of Award

Spring 2020

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Historical & Political Studies; College of Arts & Sciences

First Advisor

Geoffrey Haywood

Abstract

The Crack Epidemic hit the United States in the early years of the 1980’s. Crack was cheaper to produce and therefore cheaper to distribute. The Crack Epidemic disproportionately affected black communities and created long lasting issues that crippled many communities for decades to come. Incarceration rates, death rates, gang violence, fetal death rates and long term health effects rose dramatically between 1980- 1995. With the epidemic reaching its peak and its effects becoming unavoidable, communities struggled to find a reason as to how crack had gotten into the country and into their cities. In 1996 a small town journalist from San Jose named Gary Webb published his series entitled Dark Alliance where he reported his findings from following an investigation involving the trial of known crack dealer, Ricky Ross. This paper will discuss how Webb’s findings were able to spread nationwide and the effects that the series had on the affected communities. This paper will also cross examine Webb’s evidence with official reports from the OIG, OIJ, CIA and other testimonies to determine to what extent was the validity of Webb’s series.

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Criminals in Action: The CIA and the Crack Epidemic

The Crack Epidemic hit the United States in the early years of the 1980’s. Crack was cheaper to produce and therefore cheaper to distribute. The Crack Epidemic disproportionately affected black communities and created long lasting issues that crippled many communities for decades to come. Incarceration rates, death rates, gang violence, fetal death rates and long term health effects rose dramatically between 1980- 1995. With the epidemic reaching its peak and its effects becoming unavoidable, communities struggled to find a reason as to how crack had gotten into the country and into their cities. In 1996 a small town journalist from San Jose named Gary Webb published his series entitled Dark Alliance where he reported his findings from following an investigation involving the trial of known crack dealer, Ricky Ross. This paper will discuss how Webb’s findings were able to spread nationwide and the effects that the series had on the affected communities. This paper will also cross examine Webb’s evidence with official reports from the OIG, OIJ, CIA and other testimonies to determine to what extent was the validity of Webb’s series.