It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, or Juneteenth, that the last slaves were freed in Galveston, Texas. That’s two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, and 87 years after the United States won its independence in 1776.

While Juneteenth is a day to celebrate, it is also a day to reflect on the work ahead. While 11 states and Washington D.C. have legalized all adults’ ability to use cannabis, Black people continue to suffer at the hands of the War on Drugs, and are convicted and incarcerated at alarming rates.

Eaze was founded on a commitment to increasing safe access to cannabis and helping repair damages from the War on Drugs. While this Juneteenth we celebrate a momentous day in history against the backdrop of a universally emotional year, Eaze continues to do the internal and external work for a better, more equitable cannabis industry.

In honor of Juneteenth, Eaze will be donating a portion of our proceeds on 6/19 to two organizations fighting for equality for the Black community in California–the Oakland-based Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project (BLMP) and the California Urban Partnership.

About the BLMP

Based in the Transgender Law Center, the BLMP advocates for a world where no one is forced to give up their homeland, and all Black LGBTQIA+ people are liberated and protected.

Through community-building, political education, direct services, and organizing across borders, the BLMP builds community and knowledge within the U.S., while challenging the role the U.S. plays globally in creating the conditions that force Black LGBTQIA+s to leave their homes.

The BLMP is providing cash assistance to Black LGBTQ+ migrants and first-generation individuals dealing with the impact of COVID-19. Click here to donate.

About the California Urban Partnership

The California Urban Partnership builds economic security in communities of color. At the local and state level, CUP works to empower the most marginalized people and places through policy research, education and organizing community action.

CUP advocates for systemic changes that increase health and wealth improvement investments, envisioning neighborhoods where race is never a barrier for people to achieve economic prosperity.​ Click here to donate. 

Supporting Social Equity 

How can consumers promote social equity and equality in the cannabis industry in California? Black leaders recently shared their personal perspectives on social equity and the realities of being a Black business owner. Read their advice on how you can support the Black cannabis community and check out some highlights from our conversations with three Black founders revolutionizing the cannabis space as we know it:

“When you support social equity, you’re not just supporting a company; you’re supporting the community.” 

– Morris Kelly, founder of SF Roots, one of the first social equity brands in the Bay Area. Shop SF Roots on select Eaze menus in California markets and follow them on Instagram for more updates.

“[To fight inequity, people can] support the Minority Cannabis Business Alliance, Cannaclusive, Make Green Go! + The Hood Incubator in Oakland, The Original Equity Workgroup, the Eaze Momentum Accelerator (Of course, Gearing Up for the 2nd Cohort!), The NuLeaf Project in Oregon, and Students for Medical Marijuana.”

– James Victor, co-founder of James Henry SF, a responsible lifestyle brand that helps consumers select the right products for the right occasions throughout the day, coming soon to an Eaze menu near you! Follow James Henry SF on Instagram for updates.

“Have the hard discussions with people close to you and come with the intent to listen, and then really play your role of supporting with integrity.”

– Degi Simmons, founder of Oakland-based Cloud9, has been involved in cannabis commerce and culture since the earliest days of Proposition 215. Degi partnered with cannabis grower and DJ Clayton Whitaker to form Cloud9 in 2010. Cloud9 flower is available on Eaze menus.

Shop social equity brands on Eaze.com.