Anna Desiree Robinson
Major: Media Arts and Communication
Academic Advisor: Anna Chiaretta Lavatelli
Co-op Advisor: Richard Kraince
Co-ops: Office of Communications at Antioch College (Spring ‘21), On Rsmps to Careers. (Winter '22), Zara (Winter '24)
Languages: English, Spanish
Home City: Washington D.C.
Email: arobinson@antiochcollege.edu
Visualizing the opioid epidemic as a Black Youth in D.C.
My article delves into the tragic consequences of opioid overdose among Black youth in Washington D.C., exemplified by the untimely death of my friend Cairo Pondexter. Despite efforts by initiatives like Live Long D.C. and Drug Free Youth DC to provide resources for prevention and harm reduction, fatal opioid overdoses have been on the rise since 2018, with fentanyl and its analogs being the primary culprits.
Response from authorities, such as the implementation of "drug-free zones" reflects a systemic failure to address addiction as a public health issue within Black communities. Racial disparities in healthcare exacerbate the lack of accessible treatment options, further marginalizing Black residents. Moreover, existing drug awareness campaigns often fail to resonate with urban youth, lacking representation and cultural relevance. Drawing from evidence-based practices, my article suggests a need for community-specific approaches to engage and empower Black youth in combating opioid misuse and promoting recovery.