Oral history interview with Kandy Latson, 2014

Biographical Note

Hollis (Kandy) Latson was born in Raccoon Bend, Texas in 1936. As an early and prominent member of Synanon in California, he was recruited to Phoenix House by Mitchell Rosenthal

Scope and Contents

Latson describes growing up in Raccoon Bend, Texas, and his relationship with his family. He narrates his experience in the US Army during the Korean War, with particular attention to the racism he encountered there. He discusses his introduction to Synanon while living in Los Angeles as an addict, and his education in that environment. He also mentions his involvement with the Nation of Islam. Latson describes various stages of his spiritual awakening. Finally, he tells of his introduction to Mitchell Rosenthal and Phoenix House

Subjects

• Discrimination in the military--United States--History--20th century.
• Drug abuse--Treatment--United States.
• Interviews.
• Latson, Kandy--Interviews.
• Murphy, Kristin L., interviewer.
• Nation of Islam (Chicago, Ill.)
• Oral histories (literary works)
• Phoenix House (Organization)
• Rosenthal, Mitchell S., 1935-
• Spiritual formation.
• Substance abuse--Treatment.
• Synanon (Foundation)
• Therapeutic communities.

Access Conditions

Copyright by the Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York, 2014