Don’t stay silent. Now is the time to speak. #BlackLivesMatter

We at WINK Cannabis are extremely privileged to be working in the legal cannabis industry in Canada, one of the first countries in the world to legalize cannabis, and be at the forefront of cannabis legalization worldwide. However, we also recognize that this industry was pioneered by many who lost their freedom - or their lives - because of their belief in this plant. Because they tried to make a living doing something that in 2020 is now an essential service. Unfortunately, as in almost every situation, people of colour have been disproportionately affected by these injustices in our industry, as they have in every industry, city and block. 

We do not know the right path to undo our own industry’s shameful history. The path to change years of bias and both covert and overt racism, but we know we have to do better.

Yesterday, we participated in #blackoutTuesday and took time to mute our own voice to make room for the voices of those who can educate us. We took time to read, listen and learn - but we know that is not enough. It is time to take action - inform others, engage in conversations in our own homes, continue to ask questions and support - with our money, our time and our voices - the fight against an unjust system. 

So what are we doing?

• Donate: The WINK team has donated to Black Lives Matter, with more to come. 

• Learn: We have starting reading - and will continue to! See below for our list of recommended resources.

• Sign petitions: We will offer our name for causes we believe in.

• Spend: Support POC owned businesses to help with the redistribution of wealth

• Speak Up: Around the dinner table, on the phone, over text or DM, the change always starts at home, with meaningful conversations that reframe our way of thinking and give new perspectives on some of the privileges we have.

We are still learning, and we know there may be bumps along the way. If you have any suggestions of what we can be doing better, please let us know, hi@winkcannabis.com. 

Currently on our list to follow, read and listen to as we continue to educate ourselves:

Follow: 

@blackowned.to

@iamrachelricketts

@moemotivate

@consciouskid

@rachel.cargle

@mspackyetti

@austinchanning

@blklivesmatter

@blacklegalactioncentre

Read:

• Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to Present by Robyn Maynard

• The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power by Desmond Cole

• Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins

• The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

• How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

• White Fragility by Robin Diangelo

Listen:

• The 1619 Project - New York Times

• Code Switch - NKPR

• About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge

Sign:

• https://www.change.org/p/david-lametti-document-and-release-data-on-police-involved-deaths-in-canada?recruiter=1100776051&recruited_by_id=09b609f0-a38e-11ea-acd3-73cfc7d94264&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard&fbclid=IwAR1NPxo6CRuhrPRTV69C6iHKYpNcayg4yQCvYx6_6IUpEkmV2t6Vz7ZExp4

• https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-regis-korchinski-paquet

Donate:

• Black Youth Helpline (Canada)

• Black Health Alliance (Canada)

• Black Women in Motion (Toronto-based)

• Black Lives Matter – Toronto & Vancouver

• Black Legal Action Centre

• Toronto Bail Out Fund