June 18th 2024.
As we approach Juneteenth, nuEra, a cannabis company based in Illinois, has announced their plans to commemorate this important holiday. In a press release, Jonah Rapino, the head of Communications at nuEra, expressed their excitement for this occasion. "Juneteenth is a day to reflect on the progress we have made and to celebrate our achievements," he stated. "We are honored to partner with the South Shore Chamber of Commerce and contribute to the growth and prosperity of local businesses in our community."
As part of their celebration, nuEra will be donating 5% of their sales from their house brands and 5% from a group of Black-owned cannabis brands to the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. Some of the brands participating in this initiative include 93 boyz, Umi Farms, Royale Tree, Future of Leaf, Galaxy, Bloom, Lobo, Old Pal, Canna Bella Lux, and OURS: Organic Urban Revitalization Solutions. In addition, nuEra's own brands, Interstate 420, Midweek Friday, and Alchemy, will also be included in this fundraiser. Customers can support this cause by visiting any of nuEra's locations in Illinois.
The cannabis industry has gained more mainstream acceptance in recent years, leading to the emergence of programs and initiatives related to the industry. In a blog post by Weed For Black Women, they highlighted the growing number of HBCUs offering programs related to cannabis. One such example is North Carolina A&T State University, which received approval in 2015 to grow hemp for research purposes. Their Industrial Hemp Program aims to study the best varieties of hemp for CBD production, assess soil health, and research hemp cultivation.
While the cannabis industry is still predominantly white, there has been some progress in promoting diversity and inclusion. According to the MJBiz Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Report, ethnic or racial minorities made up 24% of cannabis executives in 2023, a significant increase from 12% in 2022. Although data for Illinois is not available for 2023, statistics from 2022 suggest a slight increase in both women-owned and minority-owned dispensaries.
As we look forward to celebrating Juneteenth in 2024, let us also commemorate the progress made in the cannabis industry and continue to support businesses and initiatives that promote diversity and equity. BLACK ENTERPRISE will also be joining in on the festivities and encourages everyone to do the same. Let us come together to celebrate this important holiday and honor its significance.
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