Culture
City of Evanston to offer Reparations…Using Legalized Marijuana Tax Revenue!
The legalization of recreational marijuana use across the United States has sparked discussions on how states will work to help those, especially Black people, who have been negatively affected by the criminalization of marijuana use.
With less than a month until recreational marijuana is legalized in Illinois, the city of Evanston plans to spearhead a reparations program funded by the sales tax revenue of marijuana purchases.
The program, which follows a series of other social justice initiatives surrounding recreational marijuana in Illinois, will focus on derailing the effects of slavery and discrimination for Black people. According to NBC 5, The 5th ward Alderman, Robin Rue Simmons stated that the program will also feature job training and other related benefits.
One of the focus of the reparations fund will also be to find ways to encourage academic achievement among Black youth who attend Evanston schools. The fund will also work towards creating job opportunities for Black people, according to the Chicago Tribune.
While Illinois is not the first state to legalize recreational marijuana, it is the first state to emphasize social equity concerning marijuana use.
When Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker passed a legislation bill legalizing recreational marijuana use, the bill revealed a set of new laws that will attempt to decriminalize marijuana including offering clemency for marijuana convictions and giving potential marijuana vendors in areas of high poverty preference.
The social justice initiatives do not stop at the state level with people, including entrepreneurs, finding ways to help the Black population in Illinois become an active part of the marijuana industry.
The startup cannabis lender, Good Capital, is offering $250,000 in loans to 100 social equity applicants. The loans will attempt to benefit communities who have longed been affected by the criminalization of marijuana.
Throughout the upcoming year, Illinois will most likely see an increase in more social justice initiatives regarding Black people in the marijuana industry.
Photo Credit: Susie Plascencia/Flickr
Former President Obama went viral on Saturday after shooting a 3-pointer while on the campaign trail for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
Obama made the shot just before leaving a gymnasium in Flint, Mich. While he walked out the door, he told campaign staff, “That’s what I do!”
Celebrities and social media users quickly shared the clip, with some hoping the shot is a “good omen” for the former vice president ahead of the Tuesday election.
NBA star LeBron James, who previously partnered with former first lady Michelle Obama on voter initiatives, tweeted, “Now you just showing out now my friend!! That’s what you do huh??”
The clip was taken in the gymnasium of Flint’s Northwestern High School, Yahoo Sports reported. The former president and Biden campaigned together in Flint on Saturday at a drive-in rally, where Obama blasted President Trump’s “reality show” style of politics.
“He hasn’t shown any interest in doing the work or helping anybody but himself or his friends or treating the presidency as anything more than a reality show to give him the attention that he craves,” Obama said. “But unfortunately, the rest of us have to live with the consequences.”
Culture
Black families affected by police violence gather to mobilize voters in Chicago
Several families affected by police violence including those of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Jacob Blake, and Alvin Cole gathered to mobilize voters in Chicago. The event allowed many to turn their pain into political power, as they encouraged voting in not only presidential but local elections.
Several families affected by police violence including those of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Jacob Blake, and Alvin Cole gathered to mobilize voters in Chicago. The event allowed many to turn their pain into political power, as they encouraged voting in not only presidential but local elections.
1) Great way to exercise and stay fit
Dance is a great way to stay in shape. If you don’t like the gym, dancing can bring fun back into the exercise.
2) Burn calories
Dancing is all about moving your body and moving your body is a great way to burn calories. How many will you burn depends on how vigorously you dance. In an one-hour session you can burn from 250 to 400 calories.
3) Improved health
Dance can effectively promote good health by improving cardiovascular fitness, strengthening the muscles, increasing circulation, decreasing blood pressure, lowering the risk of coronary heart disease, reducing stress, and many other positive benefits.
4) Greater Coordination
Great for improving control over your body, timing and coordination skills. You will learn how to move with grace and poise.
5) Good for bones and joints
Dance is a weight-bearing activity, meaning it’s great for your bones. Weight-bearing exercises has been proven to increase bone density and help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
6) Build confidence
Dance builds confidence by giving you a sense of success and achievement when you master it.
7) Great way to meet new people
Dancing provides a natural icebreaker and is a great way to meet new people and make new friends.
8) Lifts your mood
Any exercise can raise your spirits by raising the endorphins or so called feel good chemicals. This can lighten your mood and reduce the risk of depression.
9) Good for your Mind
Dancing will keep your mind active. It will improve circulation to the brain and help stimulate the memory by remembering all the steps. Great mental exercise.
10) Improved overall well-being
Dance has an outstanding positive effect on both physical and psychological well-being.
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