Rich Porter's life journey began in Harlem's Sugar Hill section on the west side, where he was the eldest of three siblings. Alongside his sister Pat and youngest brother Donnell, Rich navigated the challenges of growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, a period marked by systemic racism that plagued African American communities in the North.
During this tumultuous time, cities like Harlem experienced a surge in dug use, particularly h*roin, as a coping mechanism for the adversities brought on by systemic injustices. The influx of h*roin hit Harlem hard, with notorious kingpins like Nicky Barnes and Frank Lucas exerting control over the streets through the dug trade during the 1970s. The proliferation of h*roin prompted former President Richard Nixon to declare a "War on dugs" in an attempt to curb the epidemic.
Rich witnessed firsthand the devastation wreaked by dug abuse in his neighborhood. In the face of poverty, he turned to dealing wed as a means of survival, embarking on this path at the tender age of 12. By 1979, at just 13 years old, Rich transitioned to selling h*roin, drawn into the lucrative but perilous world of street dealing. His mother, Velma, herself an occasional h*roin user, provided an unfortunate backdrop of familiarity with d*ugs within the household.
While attending school during the day, Rich would eagerly hit the corners as soon as classes ended, peddling his illicit merchandise. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to experiment with selling fake hash made from sage and eggs, a testament to his resourcefulness and ingenuity in the face of adversity.
Rich's journey took a fateful turn when he forged a close bond with Donald "LA" Johnson, who served as both a mentor and a confidant. However, tragedy struck in 1984 when LA was fatally killed, prompting Rich to seek vengeance. In a misguided attempt to avenge his friend's death, Rich found himself entangled in legal troubles, serving a year in prison on a gun charge.
Throughout his tumultuous life, Rich forged alliances with notable figures in Harlem's underworld, including Azie Faison and Alpo Martinez. However, it was Alpo who ultimately betrayed Rich, leading to his untimely demise over allegations of deceit regarding d*ug dealings.
Rich's story serves as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities in urban America and the perilous allure of the streets. Despite his flaws and missteps, Rich's legacy endures as a cautionary tale of the devastating consequences of a life entrenched in the d*ug trade.