The Rebel Educationist: Health, Drug Policy, and PWUD Advocacy

Harm Reduction | Health & Wellness | Drug Policy | PWUD Advocacy

Phoenix AKA Mohawk "The Rebel Educationist" (they/them: formerly known as Mohawk the Educator) is a black, trans intersectional harm reduction educator & advocate for people who use drugs (PWUD) that provides in-person services and online education and resources. They are a community organizer that is skilled with technology, writing, and education and participate in drug policy and other reform advocacy, activism, and mutual aid. Through their work, they center those most marginalized and impacted by The Drug War™, namely queer and trans people who use drugs as they are underserved.

Drug education and advocacy are often limited to “popular/socially acceptable” or substances with recognized “medical value”. Also, the majority of drug educators and figures in these movements with high visibility, are white men. It’s important that after 10 years thus far of engaging in drug education and harm reduction work, that these topics be more accessible, more relevant, AND relatable to BIPOC, queer/trans, and other heavily marginalized and stigmatized communities that have suffered immensely from The Drug War™ and other systems/industrial complexes designed to work against them.

The Rebel Educationist is a harm reduction manager, coordinator, and service provider with a strong background in program management, community organization and education with over 10 years experience. They have been involved in harm reduction and drug policy reform activism and advocacy in a multitude of local and global settings, using their practical, academic, technological, and lived experience in advancing activism and outreach for PWUD and the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community.

Past and present professional involvement includes, but is not limited to, work with: NEXT Distro, Youth RISE, South African Network for People Who Use Drugs, New York DanceSafe, DanceSafe, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, Drug Policy Alliance, National Harm Reduction Coalition, and NYC DOHMH-BADUPCT's Community Advisory Board

my manifesto

My Non Profit Project

A drug using harm reductionist's guide for evidence-based functional substance use integration

Learn more about, contrbue to, and help support my work!

2012
Founded PlurRX

PlurRx is a grassroots initiative to help educate EDM party goers about substances and responsible substance consumption. PlurRx provides information and supplements to those willing to adjust their lifestyle for the better, without sacrificing their “vices”.
2013
Founded New York DanceSafe, President (to present day)

New York DanceSafe has a sincere interest in bettering local music communities by staffing harm reduction booths at events. We provide information on alcohol and other subtances, safer sex, and other health and safety issues concerning various music communities.
2014
Collaboration with: The Alice Project - Frankfurt, Bay Area DanceSafe

Staffed the DanceSafe booth at an underground event in Berkeley, California the weekend before traveling to Burning Man (where I unofficially performed additional drug checking).
2015
Collaborated with: Breakline Party Peers (now Safe ‘n’ Sound) - Antwerp, Stay Safe Seattle, ANKORS - West Kootenay

- Staffed the harm reduction booth at Fractal Gate in Antwerp, Belgium.
- Performed onsite drug checking at Shambhala in Salmo, BC, with ANKORS
2016
Collaborated with: Global UN participants during the special assembly on drugs, LA DanceSafe, Berkeley College

- Spoke alongside a panel during the Race and the Drug War conference during UNGASS and staffed the New York DanceSafe booth at the UNGASS after party at House of Yes.
- Staffed shifts at Lightning in a Bottle Festival in California.
- Began teaching semesterly guest lectures at Berkeley College, Manhattan and Brooklyn campuses with Prof. Heidi Hoefinger.
2017
Collaborated with: DanceSafe Denver, Unity - Amsterdam, Drug Policy Alliance

- Coordinated the arrangements for and staffed the DanceSafe booth at an underground rave in Denver.
- Staffed mobile harm reduction services with Unity at Straferk Festival in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Staffed harm reduction at Afropunk Festival in Brooklyn and in Atlanta with the Drug Policy Alliance.
2018
Collaborated with: Florida DanceSafe, PA DanceSafe, AfrikaBurn - South Africa

- Staffed the DanceSafe booth and performed drug checking services at Dirtybird Campout East.
- Staffed the DanceSafe booth at an underground party in Philadelphia
- Organized onsite drug checking Services at AfrikaBurn (Tankwa Karoo, South Africa)
2019
Collaborated with: DanceSafe New Mexico, AfrikaBurn - South Africa (Drug Checking), Chicago Recovery Alliance, POCPSY, Drug Policy Alliance

- Staffed the DanceSafe booth at Meow Wolf's Mustachio Bashio in Santa Fe, NM
- Performed more formalized onsite drug checking Services at AfrikaBurn (Tankwa Karoo, South Africa), analysis on 100+ tests
- Performed independent FTIR drug checking spectroscopy and analysis on 70+ tests in New York City
2020
Collaborated with: Psychedelic Seminars, Club Health (Montreal), Tam Integration, Chicago Recovery Alliance, Center for Optimal Living & Zendo, Youth RISE

- Joined Youth RISE Board of Directors
- There haven't been many major in-person opportunities in 2020, but I did many panel talks. See below!
2021
Collaborated with: Power over Addiction (Panel Talk), NYS Coalition for Decriminalizing All Drugs, Keys to the Kingdom: How the Psychedelic Renaissance Becomes Accessible to Everyone (Podcast), Sanctuary Podcast, Zendo Project Advisory Committee, DanceSafe (National), Naropa Alliance for Psychedelic Studies, SSDP, Oakland Hyphae/Psilocybin Cup, Philadelphia Inquirer, CUMBE: Center for African and Diaspora Dance, NYU, The Almaz Podcast, Nowadays, Powrplnt

- Registered Youth RISE in the Republic of Estonia
- Revising a bill proposed by Senator Rivera for decriminalizing all drugs in New York State
- Joined Designated Helpers
- Retired from NY DanceSafe chapter leadership after 8 years of volunteership and service
- Joined Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) staff
- Took part in the Psyched Studio documentary on psychedelics (MDMA)
- Hosted harm reduction education workshops and Narcan trainings with Nowadays, Discakes/xCakes, and more
- Attended Horizons: Perspectives on Psychedelics Conference
2022
Collaborated with: ABC, The Center for Optimal Living w/ Dr. Carl Hart, California Harm Reduction Initiative, NRHC, Oakland Hyphae

- Spoke at both the Harm Reduction Conference in Puerto Rico and the HIT Hot Topic Conference in Liverpool, UK in the fall
- Was a The David Prize finalist for funding towards harm reduction work. Rewarded Bruker Alpha II FTIR Spectrometer
- Designed UI for and developed (programmed) the new DanceSafe website
- Started writing for Release Drugs UK's Talking Drugs blog. See articles below!
- Spoke at National Psychedelic Conference in Washington, DC
2023
Collaborated with: Chacruna Institute, ACDC, Harm Reduction South Africa, GRIP - Groupe de Recherche et D’intervention Psychosociale, MAPS

- Spoke at Queering Psychedelics II in San Francisco, CA
- Speaking on panels for the ACDC Conference (Online), GRIP - Groupe de Recherche et D’intervention Psychosociale, and MAPS @ Psychedelic Science
- Founded the collective Rebel Harm Reduction to expand drug checking and harm reduction services with the spectrometer

The Future of Drugs

Feb 17, 2021 - A casual conversation that explores the next decade of drug culture with a multidisciplinary group of harm reductionists, featuring educators, therapists, policy makers, and researchers: What are some changes you've already seen in drug policy/drug education/addiction treatment that excite you? Where are the gaps in drug policy/drug education/addiction treatment that you think continue to cause unnecessary harm to people you use drugs? How do you think psychedelic assisted therapies are changing the landscape for drug policy/drug education/addiction treatment? What is your vision for a prohibition-free America?
Harm Reduction for At-Home Psychedelic Use

August 12, 2020 - The current pandemic conditions have set the stage for a unique kind of stress and with reduced methods of seeking psychological support. Some are turning to independent psychedelic use to work through the multi-dimensional challenges and emotions that this time has brought up. Many use psychedelics on their own, with little to no repercussions, and many benefits. But it’s also of significant importance to address that there are risks inherent in solo psychedelic work. What are the ways that people can set themselves up safely, with proper support and resources? What are the ways that the risks vary based on the elements of race, class, and gender?
This panel will investigate the methods and possibilities of making at home psychedelic use more safe and supported. The current pandemic conditions have created new risks and stressful psychological conditions. This requires innovative and grounded approaches that take into consideration the socio-cultural elements which create varying degrees of risks for each individual.
Decolonization, Collective Liberation, & Intersectional Solidarity

July 4, 2020 - How do we embody decolonization at the individual and collective level? On “Independence Day,” we’ll offer a roadmap via the intersections of Indigenous rights, intergenerational healing, and environmental, migrant, and racial justice.
Each utilizing a harm reduction lens, join psychedelic psychotherapist Danielle Herrera, decarceration strategist Paula Kahn, researcher Yarelix Estrada, and community educator Mohawk Greene as moderator.
History of the Drug War, Colonization, & Racism

June 20, 2020 - First we'll look at the history to understand how we got to this moment and how we can advocate for policy that repairs the harms of the past, from colonization to the drug war and modern policing.
Featuring Camille Barton, Neill Franklin, Mohawk Greene, ∧ moderated by Kwasi Adusei
Beyond Therapy: Psychedelics in Everyday Life a webinar series hosted by Zendo Project: Being Prepared: Making the Most of Psychedelic Experiences

June 13, 2019 - Many people recognize the power of psychedelics to be transformative experiences. Whether it’s used recreationally for pleasure, performance enhancement—not in the physical sense of giving us enhanced stamina, but in the context of making us feel more attractive and more sociable which can be productive in building healthy relationships that aid in our personal growth and well-being, or for healing. Trauma impacts our ability to be present, grounded, and connected at this moment when it’s so crucial. Psychedelics are powerful mind-altering substances that must be used with care but are often consumed in contexts such as nightlife settings and music festivals, where there’s less control over the set and setting. Even in these spaces, there may be interventions available and steps that can be taken to mitigate challenging psychedelic experiences in these settings.
ANIMAL: WE TESTED MOLLY AT AN UNDERGROUND DANCE PARTY IN BROOKLYN AND MOST OF IT SUCKED

May 12, 2015 - On a recent Saturday night in an undisclosed warehouse in Bushwick, DanceSafe set up a booth and allowed ANIMAL to document its drug screening capabilities. Using five reagents, the tests “can only determine the presence, not the quantity or purity, of a particular substance,” according to the organization. Part of that process includes the detection of harmful adulterants. Throughout the event, Greene does her best to not take possession or come in direct contact with the drug.

Sanctuary Radio Episode TBA
Keys to the Kingdom - Mohawk the Educator: Let Us Do Drugs

March 17, 2021
Collective Liberation for Drug Users

June 28, 2020
Revolutionizing Our Approach To Drugs with Mohawk Greene

Apr 30, 2020

Talking Drugs: Does Grapefruit Juice Make MDMA Stronger?

May 23, 2022 - It is commonly believed among "recreational" users of MDMA that grapefruit juice (or other citrus/acidic beverages) potentiates the effects of, and/or expedites the onset of MDMA. Since there are no studies specifically on the subject matter, I performed a mini meta-analysis on a number of studies that observed drug metabolism with MDMA use, and cross-referenced a number of other studies done around the affected enzymes.
Talking Drugs: Reducing MDMA Comedown and Risks

May 9, 2022 - In late February, Vice reported on a study originally published in late December 2021 stating that MDMA use had no “comedown”, claiming to have debunked the “Blue Monday” myth - referring to the delayed and depressed effect on mood and cognition after MDMA consumption. However, as a recreational MDMA user myself, I and many others know this to not be absolute; after diving into the original journal, it’s clear that this was a misinterpretation of the research.
40 under 40 Outstanding BIPOC leaders in Drug Policy in the United States

Novermber 16, 2021 - One effective way to practice allyship and anti-racism in the drug policy movement is to intentionally uplift the voices and talents of people of color, and directly support them by booking them on your conference panels, events and through direct monetary contributions to their work. SSDP’s equity team decided to lift up 40 of the most outstanding drug policy activists of color in the United States under 40 in one handy guide for anyone who is interested in featuring stellar, powerful individuals who are already doing the work and who often go unnoticed.
100 Most Influential People in Psychedelics

May 4, 2021 - How do we define influence in the psychedelics ecosystem?
Filter Mag: Welcome to Kava Culture: A Spreading Alternative to Reduce Anxiety

Dec 20, 2019 - Bula!—which means “life” or “to live”—is the traditional exclamation before drinking kava tea in Fijian culture. The ritual has also been adopted in some kava bars stateside.
Psychedelic Times: FDA Approves Ketamine-Derived Treatment for Depression, But How Are People Really Using It? A Conversation with Kellye Greene of New York DanceSafe

Mar 30, 2019 - On March 5, 2019, the FDA approved Spravato (esketamine), an intranasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. The drug is chemically very similar to generic ketamine, which is used around the world as a reliable anaesthetic in both human and veterinary surgery. It is increasingly given off-label in intravenous clinics to treat various mental and physical disorders.
Audiofemme: HIGH NOTES: How to Return to Your Life After a Wild Festival Weekend

Mar 4, 2019 - Most people don’t spend music festivals worrying about how they’ll feel after all the shouting, head-banging, and (if you’re into that sort of thing) drug use is over. That’s something you can worry about on Monday. But while living in the moment can be liberating, it doesn’t feel as liberating when you’re nursing a nasty hangover, likely compounded by sleep deprivation and undernourishment. So, if you want to make Monday (and Tuesday and Wednesday) more bearable, here are some ways to minimize the damage as you return to real life.
From The Trenches: Mohawk The Educator

August 13, 2018 - I have been waiting to do this interview for years now. Mohawk is a luminary in the NYC underground scene, my boss at New York DanceSafe , a spectacular dancer & a generally all around stupendous person. She’s throwing a party that you need to go to, and I’ll be giving two tickets away, so you have no excuse. But before you do, kick back and enjoy this long-form conversation with someone who is fielding a tactical force to keep your sorry butt alive if you’re partying in the Tri-State area.
MagnifyMoney: The Ultimate Guide to Saving on Summer Music Festival Tickets, Food and Travel

Friday, March 23, 2018 - MagnifyMoney spoke with Greene and a few regular festival goers to learn their best tips for saving money and still having a good time.
Vice: We Talk About How to Party Safer on Episode 3 of The Thump Podcast

March 10, 2017 - This week, as part of a series called Dancing Vs. the State, THUMP is publishing a collection of stories exploring the relationship between club culture and the law. Episode three of The THUMP Podcast is a special installment about safety at parties and festivals where drugs are present. Emilie is joined by News Editor Anna Codrea-Rado, as well as Kellye Greene, the president and director for DanceSafe's New York chapter, and Stefanie Jones, Director of Audience Development at the Drug Policy Alliance for a conversation about challenges events promoters face in keeping in people safe, the legality around club searches, and strategies for mitigating risk when you're taking drugs.
Cosmopolitan: Why Making the Music Festival Drug Scene Safer Is So Hard

March 26, 2016 - With her signature mohawk and colorful plastic bracelets, Greene looks like many of the festival-goers. Unlike them, she's not here to play in interactive light domes and listen to Space Jesus and Diplo. As the volunteer head of the New York chapter of DanceSafe — a nonprofit with 14 regional chapters that provides drug and safety education in the rave scene — she's here hoping to save lives.
ANIMAL: WE TESTED MOLLY AT AN UNDERGROUND DANCE PARTY IN BROOKLYN AND MOST OF IT SUCKED

May 12, 2015 - On a recent Saturday night in an undisclosed warehouse in Bushwick, DanceSafe set up a booth and allowed ANIMAL to document its drug screening capabilities. Using five reagents, the tests “can only determine the presence, not the quantity or purity, of a particular substance,” according to the organization. Part of that process includes the detection of harmful adulterants. Throughout the event, Greene does her best to not take possession or come in direct contact with the drug.

The Future of Drugs

Feb 17, 2021 - A casual conversation that explores the next decade of drug culture with a multidisciplinary group of harm reductionists, featuring educators, therapists, policy makers, and researchers: What are some changes you've already seen in drug policy/drug education/addiction treatment that excite you? Where are the gaps in drug policy/drug education/addiction treatment that you think continue to cause unnecessary harm to people you use drugs? How do you think psychedelic assisted therapies are changing the landscape for drug policy/drug education/addiction treatment? What is your vision for a prohibition-free America?
Trauma-Informed, Harm Reduction Focused Psychedelic Use Model

September 17-21, 2020 - Psilocybin Summit
Addressing Harm in Nightlife: Afermath of Sexual Misconduct in the Bass Music Community

September 9, 2020 - Join this interdisciplinary, intersectional group of consent and safety professionals as they discuss the ingredients needed to support a sexual ethic in the bass music community. The event will start with an overview by the panelists, and then we will invite you to select a topic-driven breakout room to chat about next steps in prevention, intervention, and support.
Harm Reduction for At-Home Psychedelic Use

August 12, 2020 - The current pandemic conditions have set the stage for a unique kind of stress and with reduced methods of seeking psychological support. Some are turning to independent psychedelic use to work through the multi-dimensional challenges and emotions that this time has brought up. Many use psychedelics on their own, with little to no repercussions, and many benefits. But it’s also of significant importance to address that there are risks inherent in solo psychedelic work. What are the ways that people can set themselves up safely, with proper support and resources? What are the ways that the risks vary based on the elements of race, class, and gender?
This panel will investigate the methods and possibilities of making at home psychedelic use more safe and supported. The current pandemic conditions have created new risks and stressful psychological conditions. This requires innovative and grounded approaches that take into consideration the socio-cultural elements which create varying degrees of risks for each individual.
Alliance for Collaborative Drug Checking Virtual Learning Summit: Accessibility of drug checking for Black and other communities of color

August 4-7, 2020 - ACDC is a learning community for anyone working on drug checking initiatives or interested in expanding drug checking in their community regardless of the technologies that you are using (GC/MS, LC/MS, FTIR, immunoassay, etc.). This group's focus is on creating and sustaining community through sharing information, new developments, best practices, policies and procedures, results summaries and findings from different projects across the country, and most importantly a place to ask questions and explore drug checking and safe supply initiatives together in collaboration with one another.
Club Health 2021 Programming Committee

July 14, 2020 - Club Health
What is the Future of Psychedelic Policy?

November 6-9, 2019 - Reform Conference 2019
Drug Test: Sex and Psychedelics

October 18, 2019 - Since the dawn of mankind, humans have tried to get high in one way or another. Why? Altered states of consciousness can be profoundly dangerous or dangerously profound. Knowledge makes the difference. We welcome a panel of experts and comedians to discuss how these drugs work!
Safer Spaces: Harm Reduction and Psychedelic Integration

September 14-15, 2019 - Empyrean: The People of Color Psychedelics Conference: A conference for people of color who are interested in psychedelics, drug policy and larger social justice movements.
Alliance for Collaborative Drug Checking (ACDC) Learning Community Convening & Implementation Summit

August 24-27, 2019
Drug Test: DMT

June 30, 2019 - Come and learn about drugs in a taboo-free, nonjudgemental safe space. Say know to drugs!
Pills & Potions

October 13, 2017 - Reform Conference 2017: How is Harm Reduction Different for Young Black People Who Party?
Black Recreational Drug Use: BMC Panel

August 26, 2016 - A discussion about the black, recreational drug user.
Race and the Drug War: If You’re Interested in Harm Reduction, You Should Talk to the Experts

April 21, 2016 - Drug Users and Former Drug Sellers Discuss the Next Phase of Drug Policy Reform

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The Rebel Educationist

My Projects.

Rebel Harm Reduction

The Lightheart Project

My Open Collective

Involvement.

Founded PlurRX

Founded New York DanceSafe, President (to present day)

Collaboration with: The Alice Project - Frankfurt, Bay Area DanceSafe

Collaborated with: Breakline Party Peers (now Safe ‘n’ Sound) - Antwerp, Stay Safe Seattle, ANKORS - West Kootenay

Collaborated with: Global UN participants during the special assembly on drugs, LA DanceSafe, Berkeley College

Collaborated with: DanceSafe Denver, Unity - Amsterdam, Drug Policy Alliance

Collaborated with: Florida DanceSafe, PA DanceSafe, AfrikaBurn - South Africa

Collaborated with: DanceSafe New Mexico, AfrikaBurn - South Africa (Drug Checking), Chicago Recovery Alliance, POCPSY, Drug Policy Alliance

Collaborated with: Psychedelic Seminars, Club Health (Montreal), Tam Integration, Chicago Recovery Alliance, Center for Optimal Living & Zendo, Youth RISE

Collaborated with: ABC, The Center for Optimal Living w/ Dr. Carl Hart, California Harm Reduction Initiative, NRHC, Oakland Hyphae

Collaborated with: Chacruna Institute, ACDC, Harm Reduction South Africa, GRIP - Groupe de Recherche et D’intervention Psychosociale, MAPS

Publications.

Contact.