Many American acupuncturists will tell you acupuncture was made popular in the U.S. after Nixon visited China in the 1970's and a member of his delegation, who required emergency surgery and experienced acupuncture pain mitigation, was so impressed by the services he received that it became famous in the U.S.
But Black and Brown activists, who were already creating transformative community health services, actually spearheaded using acupuncture as an effective, accessible modality to support community health. They did for themselves what white-dominated local governments refused to - provide effective, compassionate care to those in the greatest need.
On Saturday, June 20, come watch Mia Donovan's "Dope is Death" which tells this story. Discussion will follow. This event is sliding-scale, $25 - $45, and is sponsored by Kula Yoga, Fitness, Social Lounge and Community Acupuncture South Burlington. Proceeds go directly to CASoBu's mission to increase access to ear acupuncture training in our Vermont community.
Hear word-of-mouth tales of how Dr. Mutulu Shakur, stepfather of Tupac Shakur, along with fellow members of the Black Panthers, Republic of New Afrika, and Young Lords, combined determination, love, and radical politics to create the first acupuncture detoxification program in America in 1973.
This event is for anyone who is interested in community health, including recovery services, mutual aid, and a real history of Black and Brown activists such as the Black Panthers and Young Lords.
**This film includes footage of intravenous drug use and police violence**
