Our disastrous war on drugs has devastated inner-city communities, and led to large numbers of African-Americans being legally barred from voting, jury duty, public housing, food stamps, student loans, and many other civic rights and benefits, often for life.

CNN: We're obsessed when it's white women in trouble

The Freedom of the City is an honorary status and does not confer any special rights to the recipient other than the right to attend some ceremonial civic events.

BBC: Oxfam gets Freedom of the City