The history and knowledge of cannabis has always been a part of our African Heritage; Go ahead! Google it!

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

As the calendar pages turn and Black History Month nears its end, we find ourselves with just a precious few moments to amplify the voices and stories that deserve to be heard. Today, we’re not just closing the chapter; we’re igniting a conversation that might spark a bit of controversy, even as it shines a light on a now-legal medicinal plant.

I want you to prepare to step into an immersive celebration, a space where storytelling, resilience, and Black cultural heritage take center stage. What I am about to share with you isn’t just an event; it’s an invitation to engage with: thought leaders, advocates, and influencers in meaningful dialogue and transformative experiences.

You will have the opportunity to delve into the intersection of creativity, resilience, and heritage, showcasing visual exhibits, artistic showcases, and community discussions designed to foster inclusion and address critical cultural conversations.

At the heart of it all, you will confront the complex history and enduring stigmas surrounding cannabis within Black communities. Their goal is clear: to foster dialogue, create awareness, and inspire action towards a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable future for all.

“We are proud to host an event that not only celebrates the vibrant heritage of Blackcommunities but also highlights the importance of reclaiming our narratives in all aspects of life, including within the cannabis industry.”

DiversityTalk is proud to announce an important event – “Reclaiming Our Narratives,” an immersive four-day Black History Month event taking place February 26^th–28^th, 2025, at the Worth Gallery in Toronto (830 Dundas St W, Toronto). On Thursday, February 27^th, at 6:30 PM – Join DiversityTalk & Hip-Hop Healing for an interactive dialogue on hip-hop, healing, cannabis, and mental health—exploring music’s role in self-expression and stigma reduction.

Founded by Ika Washington, DiversityTalk is a Black-led health and social development consultancy dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and education through innovative solutions, consultancy, and community engagement. With expertise across policy, equity frameworks, and advocacy, DiversityTalk creates spaces where marginalized voices are amplified and celebrated. Through events like Reclaiming Our Narratives, in partnership with the Crown corporation, Ontario Cannabis Store, the organization continues its mission to shatter stereotypes, build connections, and inspire positive change.

I have always been inspired by Ika’s work, but I was curious, what inspired her?

“I work in the health and social space. Everyone is talking about culturally affirmative… I am still figuring it out. Who am I? I don’t necessarily associate with what is said. I can appreciate it, but it may not be me. It is like forcing Ghanian principals to a Tanzanian. We are all dealing with colonialism in some way. It is about seeking for truth. I am now at a point where I am interrogating everything.”

“For myself and the team, cannabis has allowed me to learn so much about our history. We have been lied to. The stories and narratives we have been told have been way off. It is almost uncomfortable. They have done everything in our power to erase our history.”

I was curious; what narratives are being reclaimed, and from whom?

“The history and the knowledge of cannabis has always been a part of our African heritage. Gunja has always been around Afro-Indigenous communities and cultures. Europeans have been using it for the wrong reasons, and we were using it for spirituality, yet we are being penalized for it. Look at how they framed the use of it in our society. We were taught how to use it appropriately. It is forced assimilation that has made us lose tools to healthy living.  We have our own harm reduction techniques, and we have to reclaim them.”

Ika then shared with me why she was so excited about this event.

“We have been able to get this done in a way that speaks to the entire Black diaspora. We are highlighting communities that do not get a voice. We are challenging ourselves. Morocco history with cannabis; how many of us know about cannabis when it comes to people in North Africa. The exploration is what I am most excited about. I want people to challenge us. Go ahead. Google it!”

It is a deep dive into over 5,000 years of cannabis history, from its African origins to its impact on Pan-African communities. Discover the untold narratives connecting cannabis, culture, and resistance. A space to connect, reflect, and engage in meaningful discussions.

Free event entry: Tickets allow access to the visual exhibit at any time during event days, with registration required for the Community Discussion. Join us in celebrating Black history, exploring cultural narratives, and building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/reclaiming-our-narratives-tickets-1131326300419?aff=oddtdtcreator