We had the good fortune of connecting with Jarmichael Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jarmichael, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting Engage Recovery has always been about the people. Engaging the community to reconsider and redefine how we look at not just substance use but substance use disorder (addiction). I believe because of the failed War on Drugs, much of what the general public believes about substance use and substance use disorders is painted in misinformation and fueled by anti-blackness. When I say its about the people what I really mean is its about engaging people right where they are – not just people who use drugs, but also those who may pass judgment or hold a particular belief because the information they’ve been fed about addiction is misguided. Engage Recovery provides a platform and launching point for various initiatives such as community think tanks, podcast incubators, and collaborations to eradicate failed drug policies.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a Recovery Activist it’s interesting watching how the world reacts to news about substance use. I am not in recovery myself, so I tread lightly on speaking directly to the Recovery Community about things that may not concern me, directly. However, when speaking to the larger community, community organizations, and policymakers I try to be as candid as I can about how the failed War on Drugs has been particularly harsh on people of color and more specifically Black People. As society in America is starting to embrace Harm Reduction tactics such as decriminalization and legalization of once banned drugs, there needs to be an overhaul in how we educate youth and adults alike on how we discuss, prevent, and treat substance use. Long are the days of “Just Say No” and DARE Programs, as we know that these ideologies caused more harm than good along the way. Engage Recovery understands that educating communities from a place of facts and cultural context rather than fear can be all the difference in teaching both resilience and empathy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I really attribute much of my success and work to my father who passed away of cancer in 2007, Robert Pulliam, played a major role throughout my life. It was his passing that really gave me pause to reflect on my own life, my legacy, and how I would one day be remembered. He was a bigger than life figure that more in 50 some odd years than most could accomplish in three or four lifetimes. Living with someone so impactful can be a lot to handle as a child or young adult, but I don’t think I fully recognized his greatness until his funeral – with over 2,000 people present it was clear that he lived his life in such a way that entire communities took the time to pay their final respects.

Website: jarmichaelharris.com

Instagram: engagerecovery

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisja06/

Twitter: jharris_engage

Other: linktr.ee/harrisja06

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