A historic day for Black Americans
Posted: June 16th, 2023
🌿🖤Statement on Juneteenth🌿🖤
At Garden Society we recognize and honor the significance of Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the emancipation of the last enslaved Black Americans in the United States. Freedom for 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas did not come until 1865–two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed–when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay and made an executive decree. The commemoration is celebrated with friends and families during the holiday known as Juneteenth.Â
While this holiday is a celebration for Black communities and beyond, we also must acknowledge continued systemic racism, the failed War on Drugs, and the barriers for many folks to participate in the legal industry despite the history of mass incarceration for this same plant. We stand in solidarity with the Black community and join the nationwide efforts to raise awareness about the systemic injustices that persist to this day.
As a cannabis brand, we are committed to promoting equality, justice, and empowerment within our industry and society as a whole. We believe in the power of cannabis to heal, uplift, and create opportunities for all. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the historical inequities and injustices that have disproportionately affected communities of color, particularly those impacted by cannabis-related offenses.
In line with our commitment to social responsibility, we are proud to announce that this Juneteenth we will be making a donation to Our Academy, a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit mentorship accelerator for justice-impacted cannabis entrepreneurs and BIPOC legacy operators. Our Academy’s mission aligns closely with our core values of promoting diversity, equity, and support within the cannabis industry.
Through the mission of Our Academy, we aim to shed light on the experiences and challenges faced by individuals who have been impacted by unjust cannabis laws. We firmly believe in providing support and resources to those who have been historically marginalized, working towards creating a more equitable and just cannabis industry. The coaching, mentorship, and resources that Our Academy provides is helping create a more just and equitable industry.Â
We also would like to highlight some of our favorite Black-owned cannabis products and retailers and encourage folks to support them year-round.
Saucy
Saucy is an elevated and savory infused condiment brand with Texas roots and healthy ingredients helping Californians safely gather around cannabis again. It was started by Founder Tess Melody Taylor, a private educator, repeat founder, and Texas native.Â
Cronja
Cronja is a Veteran and Black Owned Business committed to helping the cannabis community right the wrongs of the past to achieve the respect and equity deserved by victims of the failed War on Drugs. They make premium flower products and elevated smoking accessories.
Josephine & BilliesÂ
Josephine & Billies is dispensary by and for Women of Color in the space, a demographic that has been overlooked for far too long. They provide best in class cannabis education, access, and community to communities of color nationwide.
GorillaRx
GorillaRx is first black-woman-owned dispensary in the heart of South Central Los Angeles, California, owned and run by Kika Keith, a community activist. They are focused on empowering the Black community by reinvesting knowledge resources back into South Central LA, and uplifting the next generation of Black cannabis equity entrepreneurs.
On this Juneteenth, we encourage our community to learn, reflect, and engage in conversations surrounding racial equality and social justice. Let us celebrate the progress made, while also acknowledging the work that still lies ahead. Together, we can foster positive change, dismantling barriers and creating opportunities for everyone.
Join us as we honor Juneteenth and strive towards a future where equality and justice prevail for all.
