“Black people are four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana laws than white people.” Straight like dat!
A US Senate candidate sparked up to break down how unjust minorities are treated in his campaign ad to start new conversations around marijuana justice and reform, and it’s fire.
In a video called ‘37 Seconds,’ Democrat and social activist Gary Chambers Jr. lists different stats related to the disproportionate treatment of Black and brown folks when it comes to the herb. “Every 37 seconds, someone is arrested for possession of marijuana,” he starts, adding “7.3 million Americans have been arrested since 2010.” The Louisiana native goes on to say just how much states benefit from the arrests of members of marginalized communities. The ad was shot in NOLA where the City Council recently ended penalties for small amounts of bud and pardoned several pending convictions.
In a tweet to share his campaign stance, Chambers wrote “I hope this ad works to not only destigmatize the use of marijuana, but also forces a new conversation that creates the pathway to legalize this beneficial drug, and forgive those who were arrested due to outdated ideology.”
Chambers Jr. is looking to unseat Rep. Senator John Kelly in the November primaries. In an interview with CNN, Chambers says, “Some parts of the country are fighting opioid addictions and creating millionaires and better schools from the marijuana industry. Others are creating felonies and destroyed families. I can’t stand for that.”
Although Chambers has yet to reveal to his full platform. He’s previously expressed support for progressive policies such as Medicare for All and the New Green Deal. Chambers also supports women’s reproductive rights, as he should.
It goes without saying how important it is to have representatives in positions of power, those who live the struggle and understand it.
Putting one in the air for you Mr. Chambers. That’s how you get a convo going.
CannaCultureConnect 