Black Cannabis Week (BCW) is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to advocating for equity and inclusion in the cannabis industry. Founded by Cherron Perry-Thomas, MBA, and supported by visionary leaders Kristal Bush and Brandi Hester-Harrell, M.Ed., BCW aims to educate, celebrate, and elevate the Black cannabis community. This annual event, which kicked off on September 22, 2024, features a series of discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to empower Black voices in the cannabis sector.
The Visionaries Behind Black Cannabis Week
Cherron Perry-Thomas, the co-founder of the Diasporic Alliance of Cannabis Opportunities (DACO), is the driving force behind Black Cannabis Week. Perry-Thomas has been a staunch advocate for equity in the cannabis industry, creating platforms like the Cannabis Opportunities Conference to uplift Black and Brown communities. Her dedication to centering Black voices in the industry has made BCW a global platform for education and advocacy.
Kristal Bush, another key figure in BCW, brings a unique perspective shaped by her personal experiences. Growing up with an incarcerated parent, Bush has been deeply involved in supporting families affected by incarceration and the War on Drugs. She founded Bridging the Gap Transportation, reuniting over 3,500 incarcerated individuals with their families, and launched the Free My Weedman initiative to address the impacts of the War on Drugs through storytelling and community building.
Brandi Hester-Harrell, an educational consultant and co-founder of Entertaining and Elevating with Cannabis (EEWC), has also played a crucial role in BCW. Hester-Harrell has developed courses on cannabis branding and entrepreneurship and led the release of a policy reform report focused on social justice and equity in Pennsylvania. Her research as a PhD candidate merges cannabis with higher education, furthering the mission of BCW to educate and empower the Black cannabis community.
Signature Events and Initiatives
Black Cannabis Week features several signature events designed to engage and educate attendees. The Cannabis Opportunities Conference, a cornerstone of BCW, offers a platform for discussions on equity, social justice, and economic opportunities in the cannabis industry. This year’s conference includes a clinic on expungement, a job fair, and medical marijuana card registration, providing valuable resources to the community.
Another highlight of BCW is Bouqé Presents Blaze The Runway, a groundbreaking fashion show that combines fashion, music, and cannabis culture. This event showcases the creativity and innovation within the Black cannabis community, celebrating its contributions to the industry. The Policy Breakfast, another key event, provides a forum for discussing local, state, and federal cannabis policies, featuring prominent advocates like Pennsylvania state Senator Sharif Street.
BCW also includes the Daily Dose Tour, a series of inspiring and engaging conversations available both in-person and virtually. This tour takes participants on a journey through the cannabis industry, highlighting key issues and developments. The theme for this year’s BCW, “Deeply Rooted, Growing Together,” reflects the collective effort to build a vibrant and inclusive cannabis community.
Impact and Future Directions
The impact of Black Cannabis Week extends beyond the events themselves. BCW has become a vital platform for advocating for equity and inclusion in the cannabis industry, ensuring that Black voices are heard and celebrated. The initiative has also fostered a sense of community and solidarity among participants, empowering them to take action and drive change within the industry.
Looking ahead, the organizers of BCW are committed to expanding their efforts and reaching even more people. They plan to continue offering a diverse range of events and initiatives, addressing emerging issues and opportunities in the cannabis sector. By maintaining a focus on education, advocacy, and community building, BCW aims to create lasting change and promote equity in the cannabis industry.
The success of Black Cannabis Week is a testament to the dedication and vision of its founders and supporters. Through their efforts, BCW has become a beacon of hope and empowerment for the Black cannabis community, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable industry.
Michael Brown is a seasoned journalist with a knack for uncovering compelling stories within the realm of cannabis. Through his investigative reporting and in-depth analysis, he sheds light on the regulatory challenges, market trends, and societal impacts of the burgeoning cannabis industry. Michael’s commitment to objective journalism and ethical reporting makes him a trusted voice in providing readers with balanced and informative articles about this rapidly evolving landscape.
