This is just one of many videos I captured Tuesday evening.
Mutulu Shakur (yes, father of Tupac Shakur) is an acupuncturist, Black Panthers organizer and part of the reason the NADA protocol exists. Just three months out of prison after 35 years, was released on parole for a 60 year sentence. Dr.Shakur spoke at UCLA’s campus after a screening of the documentary DOPE IS DEATH. Due to stage 3 cancer amongst other health concerns, he is deemed no longer a threat to national security. Since his release, he is seeing an upswing in health.
“I think being free does a lot for the spirit,” Mopreme said. “He gained like nine pounds in the first 10 days he was home.”
Shakur said of his own health: “I am receiving excellent care in two categories — Western oncology and holistic natural therapies. I don’t take this freedom for granted.”
Mutulu Shakur helped found the People’s Drug Program at Lincoln Hostipal in the South Bronx. He organized with members of the Black Panther Party, The Young Lords and some jews to bring healthcare to all. How did they do this? Well, they took over the hospital and demanded action for their communities. In 1988, he was convicted for assisting in the escape of Assata Shakur and an armed robbery that resulted in the death of 2 police officers. As Shakur said on Tuesday, it was always in the spirit of “get it done.” Mutulu has been denied compassion release nine times over his sentence.
For those unfamiliar, the tradition of acupuncture in the United States is intrinsically tied to issues of social justice and free healthcare for all. During the opioid epidemic, many young acupuncturists made up mostly of the Black Panther Party, The Young Lords (and some jews) came together to bring the medicine to the people. It was an attractive option to that being offered in Methadone clinics that did not involve the use of chemicals to treat chemical dependency (GO NEEDLES GO!). This is the basis of what the film DOPE IS DEATH covers. It is about the Lincoln Detox center and how a group of 20-something activists brought ‘alternative’ medicine to their communities when they were facing an opioid crisis.
The NADA protocol is an ear acupuncture treatment using 6 points on the ear consistently over time to treat addiction. It was developed in the 1970s at the Lincoln Detox Center in Harlem, New York. Through the NADA protocol, users experience the following benefits:
Reduced cravings for alcohol and drugs, including nicotine
Minimized withdrawal symptoms
Increased calmness, better sleep, and less agitation
Relief from stress and emotional trauma
An easier connection with counseling
A discovery of inner quiet and strength
Acupuncture points used for the NADA protocol include Sympathetic, Ear ShenMen (or spirit gate), kidney, liver, and lung points on the ear. The Kidney point is for fear, liver is for anger and agitation and lungs control our pores, skin and grief. The practice of acupuncture at that time was only by MDs so those learning AcuDetox were under the insurance and guidance of those MDs. (they received most of the credit for the work versus those learning from grassroots organizations - which was the initial use of the medicine in Asia). See Below -
“Dr. Wen of Hong Kong was the first (1972) to report that acupuncture at 4 body points and 2 ear points combined with electrical stimulation can relieve opioid withdrawal signs in the addicts. The second major step was made by Dr. M. Smith in New York, the head of the NADA of the USA, who finalized a protocol (1985)… Dr. Han of the Peking University, Beijing, who characterized a protocol (2005), using electrical stimulation of identified frequencies on body points to ameliorate heroin withdrawal signs and prevent relapse of heroin use.” https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11064-008-9784-8
Recording of the gentleman thanking Shakur. Don’t mind me sneaking into the audio
Besides the amazing story of bringing acupuncture to the people - Mutulu has touched thousands of lives in other forms. The best part of the screening was hearing from the many people who flew in from across the USA to thank Shakur in person. The gentleman above was a patient at the original Lincoln Detox center. He went on to tell us how the program changed his approach to life and health. He is turning 70 this year. There were also young black, female activists who came searching for advice. “What’s our next move? How do we keep hope?” Mutulu spoke on celebrating the small victories in the moment. To allow yourself that gratitude and joy. You need it to fuel yourself forward. There were young women there thanking him for bringing free lunch / free breakfast into public schools. Something I know many of us needed growing up. It is often the only meal or nourishment a child will receive that day.
Mutulu on Consciousness, media, creativity and action
Our Justice system has many blind spots and it’s brought me to an interesting space as a voter, woman and American. I will go into this more in the future but - stories like Shakur’s have led to me researching restorative justice, punitive justice and quarantine justice. As we move towards becoming more compassionate, we must allowing healing into our justice system. We must heal those - not just punish those who have done wrong. We are responsible as a whole for the safety of our community.
Don’t diminish your victories - Mutulu Shakur
Throughout the Q & A facilitated by Boots Riley, the theme was simple, “get to it.” I hope you enjoy the soundbites collected and feel inspired to find ways to expand community care in your hometowns.
DOPE IS DEATH is free on YouTube. Highly recommend. This film played a vital role in the release of Shakur. It was initially about his expected release in 2016 - however; that didn’t come to fruition. It became about the bigger story of the Lincoln Detox Center.
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