DOPE IS DEATH

Q&A after the film
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Synopsis

In 1973, Dr. Mutulu Shakur, along with fellow Black Panthers and the Young Lords, combined community health with radical politics to create the first acupuncture detoxification program in America. This form of radical harm reduction was a revolutionary act toward the government programs that transfixed the lives of black and brown communities throughout the South Bronx. Dope is Death utilizes an abundant archive while giving us insight into how the acupuncture clinic rose to prominence and, despite funding challenges, still functions to this day. Some of those who benefited from the program became acupuncturists themselves. Dr. Mutulu's legacy is cemented within this profound story of community healing and activism.

Our venues

The Firehouse Center for the Arts

The Firehouse Center for the Arts is adjacent to Newburyport's scenic waterfront park. The Firehouse Center is a hallmark for local culture and arts. Programming is broad-based, and includes dance, music, theater, and art.

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Newburyport Screening Room

The Screening Room is Newburyport’s gem of a cinema. This 99-seat theater has been running reels nightly since 1982. The Screening Room is one of the only places on the North Shore that shows independent and foreign films.

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Newburyport Public Library

The Newburyport Public Library occupies a historic federal mansion in downtown Newburyport. The Tracy Mansion has an impressive history of early guests including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams.

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