Thread by @bloomandoil, In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we wanted to take [...]

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we wanted to take a moment to highlight some stories that are incredibly important to us. We invite you to click through the articles in this thread, explore, & share with compassion.

#MLKDay2021

#MLKDay

#MartinLutherKingJr

First, the story of Michael Thompson, who spent 25-years of his life behind bars for a non-violent crime. Earlier this year, he contracted #COVID19 in prison.

Read the full story by @zackruskin:

https://bit.ly/35wykvg

Shoutout: @lastprisonerprj

#CannabisNews

After 25 Years, Michael Thompson, Michigan’s Longest Serving Non-Violent Offender, Set to Go Home -...

Gov. Whitmer’s clemency order last month has set the stage for Thompson’s release, possibly as soon as Jan. 28.

https://bit.ly/35wykvg

Next is an essay by former NBA player Eddie Robinson ( @erob3232), where he reflects on the fact that, to this day, People of Color are over 3.6x more likely to be arrested for cannabis than white people, despite similar usage rates.

Read & learn: https://bit.ly/2M1tpLU

Let’s Be Blunt About Racial Disparity in Marijuana Arrests - Bloom & Oil

Black people are 3.64 times more likely than white people to be arrested for marijuana possession, despite marijuana usage rates being comparable.

https://bit.ly/2M1tpLU

The disparity in arrests stems from a long history of racism in drug policy. Racism perpetuated by policy is called "systemic racism"—inequality that's built into the law itself. The legacy of systemic inequality continues to have painful effects on real lives today. #MLK

#MLKDay

In a recent tribute to Harry J. Anslinger, the DEA actually celebrated the father of American drug policy, even though Anslinger's rise to power was fueled by the intentional suppression of People of Color. Via @ZackRuskin

Read: https://bit.ly/36971Yr

DEA Tribute to Harry J. Anslinger Fails on All Fronts - Bloom & Oil

A virtual exhibit focused on the "founding father" of America's war on drugs shines a positive light on a proven racist.

https://bit.ly/36971Yr

The Library of Congress’ “Chronicling America” project offers examples of just how much race and drug policy are intertwined. The Library compiled cannabis-related headlines from 1897 to 1915—years leading up to Anslinger’s take over as drug czar.

Read: https://bit.ly/39MWYcg

New Library of Congress Timeline Details Decades of Racist Weed Coverage - Bloom & Oil

The ongoing “Chronicling America” project recently published a collection of century-old cannabis newspaper stories rife with abborherent rhetoric.

https://bit.ly/39MWYcg

But, more than ever before, we have hope that positive changes are underway. The recent election brings new opportunities for drug reform, but not without continued advocacy.

Read why in this article from @erob3232:

https://bit.ly/3qK344j

#BullsNation

#MLKDay

#LegalizeIt

Black, White and Green: Why the U.S. Election Matters so Much for Black Americans - Bloom & Oil

From former NBA player Eddie Robinson, hear all about why this election matters so much for Black Americans & the opportunity that cannabis could provide.

https://bit.ly/3qK344j

“We learned to fly in the air like birds, learned to swim in the seas like fish. And yet we haven’t learned to walk on earth like brothers and sisters.” —Martin Luther King, Jr.

#MartinLutherKingJrToldUs
#CannabisIndustry #CannabisNews #WarOnDrugs #CannabisCommunity

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