E.122 - Justice For Jawara Ft. Niambe McIntosh of The Peter Tosh Foundation

Niambe McIntosh is the daughter of, Rastafarian and cannabis advocate, Peter Tosh. Peter is well-known for being a founding member of The Wailers as well as his songs "Legalize It" and "I am that I am" amongst others. Niambe sat down with Lit & Lucid to share the tragic story about her brother Jawara educating us further on The War on Drugs, and shining light on ways we all can help this fight. Jawara followed in his father's footsteps as an advocate and musician. Unfortunately, Jawara found himself in a legal situation after being stopped by the police having found cannabis in his car. What seemed like a situation the family would get through at the time turned into a living nightmare. Jawara was facing 10-20 years in prison for his cannabis charge in Bergen County, NJ. Being scared of the Bergen County court system Jawara took a 6-month plea deal in January 2017. While serving time Jawara was brutally attacked by an inmate in which he suffered life-threatening brain injuries causing him to go into a coma, being unable to speak, walk or talk from that day forward. Niambe and her family stayed by his side day in and day out caring for his every need, helping him with basic motor skills while trying to come to terms with what had happened to their dear brother. Unfortunately, despite all their best efforts and prayers Jawara lost his life in July 2020. The Peter Tosh Foundation was created to continue the work Peter tirelessly advocated for in Jamaica including cannabis legalization. Today Niambe is passionate about advocating for prison reform, social equity, expungement efforts, and legislation that will truly change the War on Drugs. Tune in to the latest episode to learn more about Justice for Jawara and how you too can become more educated and help stop the War on Drugs.