The fight continues

For two weeks we’ve watched with a mixture of profound sadness and immense pride as people of every hue and background take to the streets in outrage that George Floyd’s life was taken in yet another act of police brutality. But two weeks later, we are still haunted by one word in particular. Mama. He called for his Mama.

In 2016, we joined what turned out to be a lot of Mamas who were protesting for justice. Many of them were tired of seeing mostly black and brown people getting locked up or having their cars and property taken away for cannabis. Others wanted the right to use it themselves or for their children and they recounted how their kids would scream “Mama” as they were taken away from them for using cannabis. Some of them had been protesting since John Sinclair was arrested in 1969.

In 2018, we thought we made strides, legalization passed, and civil asset forfeiture was reformed. We thought we were making progress and bringing about real, substantial law reform. Two weeks ago, we found out there is so much work left to do when we all watched in horror as the evil of police brutality played out across the world for 8 minutes and 45 seconds. The literal knee of oppression on a man’s neck and his dying breath was a call for his mama.

We in the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association stand, as we always have, with the mothers, fathers and everyone of conscience as they call for justice and an end to police brutality. Know that when the marching ends on the streets, we will continue marching through the halls of the state house to fight for laws that promote justice and equality. Black Lives Matter. And we are motivated now more than ever to do the hard work that is left undone. The fight continues.

 

Praying for peace and purpose for every human being,

Anqunette Sarfoh

Member, Board of Directors

Michigan Cannabis Industry Association