WPFW to Host Special Radio Forum on D.C. Treatment Instead of Jail Initiative

Washington, D.C.–The D.C. Campaign for Treatment, sponsors of Measure 62 – the “treatment instead of jail” initiative that is slated for the November ballot, will participate in a radio forum at WPFW 89.3 FM on the issue of Measure 62. Experts and representatives from community organizations will discuss the implications of Measure 62 on Washington, DC, and a featured guest will specifically address affected communities inside the beltway of Prince George’s County. A live audience comprised of voters of all ages has been invited to pose questions and comments on the “treatment instead of jail” initiative.

Invited Speakers Include:

Kemba Smith, Anti-Drug War Advocate Pardoned by President Clinton

William McColl, DC Campaign for Treatment

Opio Sokoni, Measure 62 Campaign Manager

Nkechi Taifa, Open Society Institute

Soffiyah Elijah, Harvard University

Angela Arboleda, National Council of La Raza

Barbara Hardy, Recovering Addict

Vincent Schiraldi, Justice Policy Institute

Ronald Hampton, National Black Police Association

Ronald Clark, Rap, Inc.

Joe Leonard, DC Rainbow Push Coalition

Pastor Kathy Hlatshwayo, Interfaith Action Communities, P.G. County, MD

DATE: Friday, October 18th

TIME: 10am-12:30pm

PLACE: WPFW, 89.3 FM Pacifica Radio 2390 Champlain St., NW

If passed, Measure 62 will provide drug treatment, counseling, job training, and other opportunities to low-level drug offenders instead of incarceration. There are currently 10,000 persons in the District receiving treatment of the 60,000 who need it. Studies also show that of the 3,100 D.C. children who are placed in foster care, 70% are there, directly or indirectly due to drug addiction.

Music singles, “The Drug War Has Failed” and “See Ya When We Free Ya,” will debuted on WPFW – 89.3 FM. The original tracks are produced by TopCat with vocals written and produced by Opio Lumumba Sokoni. Post production remixing by Scott Haapala. Opio is a Howard University trained lawyer and Campaign Coordinator for Measure 62 – Washington, DC’s “treatment instead of jail” initiative.

Listen to the singles:
See Ya When We Free Ya
The Drug War Has Failed