CANNABALL NYC event on March 9th.

The Black Institute and its sister organization, The Black Institute Group, a Black-led, women-led for-profit organization, are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the inaugural CANNABALL NYC event. The event occurred on March 9, 2023, at Giando on the Water in Brooklyn and celebrated women’s achievements and contributions to the cannabis industry and movement.

The evening also served as a fundraiser to support the Social Equity and Racial Justice Project, which aims to monitor, educate, and train people of color about the emerging legal N.Y.S. cannabis industry.

The Black Institute Group recognized Governor Kathy Hochul, Assembly Member Crystal Peoples-Stokes, and State Senator Liz Krueger for their contributions to legalizing cannabis in New York State. Furthermore, three awards were presented to women of color to honor their impact on the cannabis industry:

• The “Legacy” award went to Evelyn Zapata, Entrepreneur and founder of The Cannabis Times.
• The “Trailblazer” award was given to Nicole N’Diaye, Founder of NAHE Hemp Farms L.L.C., OGAM LLC, and BOSSIEE BUDZ LLC.
• The “Industry” award was presented to Miriam Aristy-Farer, Founder of Herbas Bodycare.

“During the Cannabis prohibition, people of color were arrested and vilified for selling or possessing weed. So, we are honored to recognize these incredible women as leaders of the cannabis Movement during Women’s History Month. In addition, we are raising money for the Social Equity and Racial Justice Project so our people can now thrive in the cannabis space,” said Bertha Lewis, Founder and President of The Black Institute.

The event brought together leaders in the cannabis industry, community members, and advocates to celebrate the progress that has been made and to look forward to the industry’s future.

Please support and allow us to focus on our three main priorities: Education, Oversight, and Building a Trusted Network through our Social Equity and Racial Justice Project, a passionate and ambitious initiative that seeks to address the systemic injustices and inequalities perpetuated through cannabis prohibition.