Daughters of Rival Drug Kings Unite
Francine Lucas says she thought her father was in the candy business. Nicole and Ebony Barnes remember a lot of cash around their house, but were not sure exactly what their father did.
In fact, Frank Lucas and Nicky Barnes, now being portrayed in separate films — “American Gangster,” starring Denzel Washington as Mr. Lucas, and the documentary “Mr. Untouchable,” about Mr. Barnes — were archrivals three decades ago in Harlem’s cutthroat heroin trade.
The fruits of their fathers’ drug-dealing were shared with the daughters: a $10,000 toy train set, and so many Barbie dolls they gave them away to friends.
So were the penalties for the fathers’ crimes. When the girls were young, their fathers were imprisoned. Their mothers were, too. Francine Lucas was raised by grandparents. Nicole and Ebony Barnes were placed in foster care.
Now, Francine Lucas-Sinclair is planning a program to mentor and support children of parents who have been imprisoned. And in an unscripted turn of events, Nicole and Ebony Barnes have volunteered to help her.
“Yes, their parents might have broken the law, but the children deserve help and support,” Ms. Lucas-Sinclair said of the youngsters she wants to help. “First, because they’re innocent and they can’t fend for themselves. And second, they will be your children’s spouses, their neighbors or, God forbid, the person carjacking you 10 years from now.”
More at the link.
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