By the summer of 1986, America’s relationship with drugs was already at the brink of combustion. And in the highly publicized death of Len Bias, policymakers found a spark to light the flame. The draconian legislation introduced on Capitol Hill thereafter, especially the ratification of mandatory minimum sentences, disproportionately targeted Black citizens — one of whom, ironically, was Len’s childhood friend. Host: Jordan Ritter Conn Producers: Hannah Beal, Isaac Lee, Noah Malale, and Bobby Wagner Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices