Did you know that incarcerated Black men were experimented on for decades? From 1947 to 1974, the CIA used and exploited Black men in studies to test psychotropic drugs for mind control. These horrific, non-consensual studies took place at ARC (now rebranded as the National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA), a facility that doubled as a prison and research center. For decades, the truth about these experiments has been buried.

Fifty years later, we’re asking: What were the real impacts and consequences for the victims, their families, and Lexington’s Black community?

We are working to uncover the full story through a community-based participatory approach to center the voices of those most impacted and bring justice to this hidden past. Join researchers Sheldomar Elliott, BA and Lianna Tullis-Robinson, MA, to talk about this project, racism in research, and the hidden history of a cold war project called MK-Ultra.

Lianna Tullis‑Robinson, MA, D‑TLLP, is a doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University and a certified therapist in Psychedelic Therapies & Integration. Her work bridges Compassion‑Focused Cognitive Therapy and culturally responsive approaches within psychedelic research and clinical settings. She is the first doctoral student at WMU to embed psychedelics into her dissertation, focused on optimizing therapeutic protocols for BIPOC communities.

As a recognized speaker—having won international student competitions at Psychedelic Science and PsychedelX—Lianna advances equity in mental health through research, public education, and intentional integration strategies. Overall, her work champions ethical, inclusive psychedelic healing rooted in compassion, cultural awareness, and evidence-based practice.

Sheldomar Elliott is a dedicated food justice leader and racial equity advocate based in Toronto. Currently serving as the Food Rx Coordinator and Racial Equity Coordinator at FoodShare Toronto, he brings years of hands‑on experience tackling food insecurity and advancing food sovereignty for Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities.

Rooted in an anti‑oppressive, community‑centered approach, Sheldomar applies his expertise to program design, policy engagement, and public education—centered on ensuring BIPOC voices lead the conversation around equitable food systems