MAPS Celebrates Black History Month
During Black History Month and beyond, MAPS celebrates and reflects on the many transformative contributions the Black community has made to the fields of psychedelic science, policy reform, and culture.
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There are many ways to explore the intersection of Psychedelics and Health Equity. MAPS frequently shares research, events, and opportunities for action.
Leaders in Psychedelics
Get to know some of the organizations who are forging new paths in the therapeutic, political, and cultural landscape of psychedelia
The Psychedelics Guild
The Psychedelics Guild is an organization with a primary focus on providing accurate information on the beneficial effects of psychedelic compounds medically, spiritually and recreationally. They strive to make these life-altering experiences available to those who are eager to learn and explore. They aim to contribute to the creation of a community of individuals who are knowledgeable and respectful of the power that mind altering substances have.
The Ancestor Project
The Ancestor Project integrates ancestral Sacred Earth Medicine wisdom into the modern journeyers’ experience to reduce harm and expand consciousness. We believe that Sacred Earth Medicine is key in liberating all oppressed peoples.
They facilitate online and in-person opportunities for learning that support radical self-transformation in the name of collective liberation.
People of Color Psychedelic Collective
The People of Color Psychedelic Collective (POCPC) brings psychedelic education to people of color. The organization creates spaces for people of color to learn about the harms of the war on drugs and the healing properties of psychedelics.
POCPC is committed to helping build a healing infrastructure that centers care, affordability, and accessibility for communities of color while reducing harm. POCPC provides outreach, events, and educational content created by and for people of color to further our collective knowledge. They aim to build their table instead of asking for a seat at another.
The Psychedelics Guild
The Psychedelics Guild is an organization with a primary focus on providing accurate information on the beneficial effects of psychedelic compounds medically, spiritually and recreationally. They strive to make these life-altering experiences available to those who are eager to learn and explore. They aim to contribute to the creation of a community of individuals who are knowledgeable and respectful of the power that mind altering substances have.
The Ancestor Project
The Ancestor Project integrates ancestral Sacred Earth Medicine wisdom into the modern journeyers’ experience to reduce harm and expand consciousness. We believe that Sacred Earth Medicine is key in liberating all oppressed peoples. They facilitate online and in-person opportunities for learning that support radical self-transformation in the name of collective liberation.
People of Color Psychedelic Collective
The People of Color Psychedelic Collective (POCPC) brings psychedelic education to people of color. The organization creates spaces for people of color to learn about the harms of the war on drugs and the healing properties of psychedelics.
POCPC is committed to helping build a healing infrastructure that centers care, affordability, and accessibility for communities of color while reducing harm. POCPC provides outreach, events, and educational content created by and for people of color to further our collective knowledge. They aim to build their table instead of asking for a seat at another.
Get to know some of the Black visionaries who are forging new paths in the therapeutic, political, and cultural landscape of psychedelia
A List Of Suggested Resources and Articles by Joseph McCowan
Joseph McCowan
Clinical Psychologist
Joseph McCowan PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, working in Los Angeles as a Therapist and Supervisor in the MAPS sponsored Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD. Joseph supports the MAPS MDMA Therapy Training Program as a training assistant, and supported efforts toward increasing the diversity of therapists and participants in the MAPS clinical trials as part of the MAPS Diversity Working Group. Additionally, Joseph practices at the California Center for Psychedelic Therapy where he provides Ketamine-Assisted Therapy and Psychedelic Integration Therapy. Along with his training in MDMA-Assisted Therapy and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, Joseph is trained in multiple psychedelic assisted therapy approaches including Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Depression (COMPASS Pathways) and 5-MEO-DMT-Assisted Therapy for Depression (Beckley PsyTech). Joseph is deeply passionate about furthering education and awareness of the healing benefits of psychedelics for communities of color and in working to improve mental health outcomes for historically underserved communities. Joseph is an alumni of MAPS’ MDMA Therapy Training for Communities of Color, held in Louisville, Kentucky in August 2019. He received his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his doctorate in clinical psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Querida Escalera
Founder, The Psychedelics Guild
Querida Escalera, Founder of The Psychedelics Guild, started her journey working with various drug advocacy groups across Maryland and DC. She is a drug policy advocate and substance educator with over 6 years of experience. A firm believer in her motto “It Shouldn’t Be a Crime to Free Your Mind” she supports both medicinal and recreational use of drugs. With that in mind, she hopes to help change the public perception of drugs and those who use them. She believes that everyone should have access to quality information regarding psychedelic substances in order to make informed decisions about their use. She strives to provide an inclusive platform that is rooted in social justice principles as well as provide support to individuals who are seeking access to psychedelics for personal or therapeutic use. She believes that everyone has the right to self-determination when it comes to their own health and well-being. Through The Psychedelics Guild, she hopes to provide support to those who wish to explore the potential of these powerful substances.
Follow Querida Escalera’s Work
Explore The Ancestor Project’s Events, Free Resources, Social Media, and More
Undrea Wright
Cannabis Entrepreneur
Undrea has been working to heal himself with sacred medicines for over 15 years. He is a cannabis entrepreneur that was instrumental in the decriminalization and medical bill passed in Maryland. He focuses on equity and inclusion in all healing work and communities. Dre practices in the Traditional Amazonian ways, informed by the South American Shipibo-Conibo and Quechua-Lamista lineages, having trained with various global indigenous masters. He served as a Volunteer Supervisor for Fireside Project. In June of 2022, he completed his MAPS MDMA Therapy Program and is currently enrolled in his Ph.D. program for transpersonal psychology. He focuses on ancient teachings as a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment. At the core of the teachings lies the transformation of consciousness, a spiritual awakening that he sees as the next step in human evolution. An essential aspect of this awakening is transcending our ego-based state of consciousness. This is a prerequisite not only for personal happiness but also for the ending of violent conflict endemic on our planet.
Dr. Darron Smith
Researcher & Scholar
Darron T. Smith is a faculty member in the Department of Sociology at the University of Memphis. He is a physician assistant and US army veteran with over twenty years of healthcare-related experience as a PA educator and mental health treatment provider in psychiatry. Dr. Smith has trained with MAPS’ MDMA Therapy Training Program. His research and scholarship examine US-based systems of racial oppression and systemic inequality found in all societal domains, including healthcare, the family (transracial adoption), healthcare disparities, religion, sport, culture, and politics. Dr. Smith’s current research and practice intertwine the study of applied neuroscience, race-based trauma, and mental illness by looking at the impact of EEG biofeedback versus MDMA-assisted psychotherapy on brainwave activity in individuals with racial trauma (PTSD) using EEG technology. He is featured in the CBS Sports Documentary, “The Black 14: Wyoming Football 1969,” and the Loki Mulholland film on transracial adoption, “Black, White & Us: Love is Not Enough.” He is the author of When Race, Religion & Sports Collide: Black Athletes at BYU and Beyond. Dr. Smith is a board member of the American Psychedelic Prescribers Association. He also serves as a Director of Education for the Alma Institute, an Oregon-based Psilocybin training facility. He also serves on Chacruna’s Racial Equity and Access Committee.
Joseph McCowan
Clinical Psychologist
Joseph McCowan PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, working in Los Angeles as a Therapist and Supervisor in the MAPS sponsored Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD. Joseph supports the MAPS MDMA Therapy Training Program as a training assistant, and supported efforts toward increasing the diversity of therapists and participants in the MAPS clinical trials as part of the MAPS Diversity Working Group. Additionally, Joseph practices at the California Center for Psychedelic Therapy where he provides Ketamine-Assisted Therapy and Psychedelic Integration Therapy. Along with his training in MDMA-Assisted Therapy and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, Joseph is trained in multiple psychedelic assisted therapy approaches including Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Depression (COMPASS Pathways) and 5-MEO-DMT-Assisted Therapy for Depression (Beckley PsyTech). Joseph is deeply passionate about furthering education and awareness of the healing benefits of psychedelics for communities of color and in working to improve mental health outcomes for historically underserved communities. Joseph is an alumni of MAPS’ MDMA Therapy Training for Communities of Color, held in Louisville, Kentucky in August 2019. He received his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his doctorate in clinical psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
A List Of Suggested Resources and Articles by Joseph McCowan
Querida Escalera
Founder, The Psychedelics Guild
Querida Escalera, Founder of The Psychedelics Guild, started her journey working with various drug advocacy groups across Maryland and DC. She is a drug policy advocate and substance educator with over 6 years of experience. A firm believer in her motto “It Shouldn’t Be a Crime to Free Your Mind” she supports both medicinal and recreational use of drugs. With that in mind, she hopes to help change the public perception of drugs and those who use them. She believes that everyone should have access to quality information regarding psychedelic substances in order to make informed decisions about their use. She strives to provide an inclusive platform that is rooted in social justice principles as well as provide support to individuals who are seeking access to psychedelics for personal or therapeutic use. She believes that everyone has the right to self-determination when it comes to their own health and well-being. Through The Psychedelics Guild, she hopes to provide support to those who wish to explore the potential of these powerful substances.
Follow Querida Escalera’s Work
Undrea Wright
Cannabis Entrepreneur
Undrea has been working to heal himself with sacred medicines for over 15 years. He is a cannabis entrepreneur that was instrumental in the decriminalization and medical bill passed in Maryland. He focuses on equity and inclusion in all healing work and communities. Dre practices in the Traditional Amazonian ways, informed by the South American Shipibo-Conibo and Quechua-Lamista lineages, having trained with various global indigenous masters. He served as a Volunteer Supervisor for Fireside Project. In June of 2022, he completed his MAPS MDMA Therapy Program and is currently enrolled in his Ph.D. program for transpersonal psychology. He focuses on ancient teachings as a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment. At the core of the teachings lies the transformation of consciousness, a spiritual awakening that he sees as the next step in human evolution. An essential aspect of this awakening is transcending our ego-based state of consciousness. This is a prerequisite not only for personal happiness but also for the ending of violent conflict endemic on our planet.
Explore The Ancestor Project’s Events, Free Resources, Social Media, and More
Dr. Darron Smith
Researcher & Scholar
Darron T. Smith is a faculty member in the Department of Sociology at the University of Memphis. He is a physician assistant and US army veteran with over twenty years of healthcare-related experience as a PA educator and mental health treatment provider in psychiatry. Dr. Smith has trained with MAPS’ MDMA Therapy Training Program. His research and scholarship examine US-based systems of racial oppression and systemic inequality found in all societal domains, including healthcare, the family (transracial adoption), healthcare disparities, religion, sport, culture, and politics. Dr. Smith’s current research and practice intertwine the study of applied neuroscience, race-based trauma, and mental illness by looking at the impact of EEG biofeedback versus MDMA-assisted psychotherapy on brainwave activity in individuals with racial trauma (PTSD) using EEG technology. He is featured in the CBS Sports Documentary, “The Black 14: Wyoming Football 1969,” and the Loki Mulholland film on transracial adoption, “Black, White & Us: Love is Not Enough.” He is the author of When Race, Religion & Sports Collide: Black Athletes at BYU and Beyond. Dr. Smith is a board member of the American Psychedelic Prescribers Association. He also serves as a Director of Education for the Alma Institute, an Oregon-based Psilocybin training facility. He also serves on Chacruna’s Racial Equity and Access Committee.
Follow Dr. Darron Smith’s Work
Get to know our team and what led them to MAPS
Sia Henry, J.D.
Senior Policy Associate
I’ve lost count of the Black folks I’ve met who have casually told me stories that started with something like, “the first time I saw someone get killed; I was walking home from school in second grade…” Rising above centuries of racism, our will to survive has taught us to be unbelievably resilient, but that resilience has worn on us. I’ve spent the last decade fighting to abolish the criminal legal system and the white supremacist systems and structures that have created the need for us to be hypervigilant and strong. I came to MAPS to continue that journey, to help create a reality where Black people can move beyond resilience and survival to access meaningful opportunities to heal and thrive. I do this work because of my deep love of my community and an understanding that only once Black people get free can we all be free. Sia serves on the Board of Directors for Mount Tamalpais College (formerly the Prison University Project) at San Quentin State Prison (the country’s first, tuition-free and independently accredited college situated inside a prison). She also founded the Hood Exchange to introduce formerly incarcerated, Black communities to international travel throughout the African diaspora. Sia graduated from Harvard Law School and Duke University.
Kevin Cranford
Communications Officer
After years of working as a cannabis policy activist, I chose to begin working for MAPS because MAPS is a leader in what I see as the next frontier in drug policy: psychedelics. As psychedelics enjoy an international renaissance, I feel more Black and Brown faces need to get involved as part of this newly forming industry and community ecosystem. Of MAPS’ 7 principles, “Healing for All” and “Be the Bridge” resonate with me as I continue to work towards ensuring marginalized communities are included in the discussion regarding the healing psychedelics may provide. While being part of the MAPS media department, I hope to share stories that will destigmatize and educate the public about psychedelic research, especially within communities of color.
Devon Phillips
Creative Strategist
Being built on an infrastructure of love and transcending creativity, the black movement has continued to move forward. I work for MAPS because MAPS understands the importance of not being the solution but instead being the bridge. MAPS understands that true education is a transformation and that it takes an effort to understand and meet people where they are. This can be through research, music, policy, art, or community activations. Luckily, I can explore solutions within these cultural vehicles while working at MAPS.
Sia Henry, J.D.
Senior Policy Associate
I’ve lost count of the Black folks I’ve met who have casually told me stories that started with something like, “the first time I saw someone get killed; I was walking home from school in second grade…” Rising above centuries of racism, our will to survive has taught us to be unbelievably resilient, but that resilience has worn on us. I’ve spent the last decade fighting to abolish the criminal legal system and the white supremacist systems and structures that have created the need for us to be hypervigilant and strong. I came to MAPS to continue that journey, to help create a reality where Black people can move beyond resilience and survival to access meaningful opportunities to heal and thrive. I do this work because of my deep love of my community and an understanding that only once Black people get free can we all be free. Sia serves on the Board of Directors for Mount Tamalpais College (formerly the Prison University Project) at San Quentin State Prison (the country’s first, tuition-free and independently accredited college situated inside a prison). She also founded the Hood Exchange to introduce formerly incarcerated, Black communities to international travel throughout the African diaspora. Sia graduated from Harvard Law School and Duke University.
Kevin Cranford
Communications Officer
After years of working as a cannabis policy activist, I chose to begin working for MAPS because MAPS is a leader in what I see as the next frontier in drug policy: psychedelics. As psychedelics enjoy an international renaissance, I feel more Black and Brown faces need to get involved as part of this newly forming industry and community ecosystem. Of MAPS’ 7 principles, “Healing for All” and “Be the Bridge” resonate with me as I continue to work towards ensuring marginalized communities are included in the discussion regarding the healing psychedelics may provide. While being part of the MAPS media department, I hope to share stories that will destigmatize and educate the public about psychedelic research, especially within communities of color.
Devon Phillips
Creative Strategist
Being built on an infrastructure of love and transcending creativity, the black movement has continued to move forward. I work for MAPS because MAPS understands the importance of not being the solution but instead being the bridge. MAPS understands that true education is a transformation and that it takes an effort to understand and meet people where they are. This can be through research, music, policy, art, or community activations. Luckily, I can explore solutions within these cultural vehicles while working at MAPS.
Inspiration & Culture
For decades, Black artists have created soulful, funky, and radical music that has shaped American culture inside and outside psychedelia. From Sly and the Family Stone to Childish Gambino, check out what the MAPS staff is diving into during Black History Month!
Readings in Black Psychedelia
Join the MAPS Email List
There are many ways to explore the intersection of Psychedelics and Health Equity. MAPS frequently shares research, events, and opportunities for action.
