This February, Oaksterdam University proudly celebrates Black History Month by recognizing excellence within the Black community in the areas of Cannabis Education and Advocacy.Â
Kassia Graham
Meet Kassia Graham, Director of Community and Strategy at Cannaclusive.
Kassia Graham has more than two decades of experience working with diverse organizations including Fortune 500 companies, boutique agencies, non-profits, and more. As director of Community & Strategy, she leads a variety of initiatives including community building, content creation, special/experiential events, marketing, branding, social media, and advocacy. Kassia directs the day-to-day at Cannabis for Black Lives (CfBL). CfBL is a charitable collective born out of Cannaclusive that galvanizes the greater hemp and cannabis industries to support cannabis equity––and adjacent––organizations that serve communities most impacted by the war on drugs. She was awarded the 2023 Green Market Report Women’s Leadership Award for Social Impact.
Alphonso Tucky Blunt, Jr.
Tucky is the CEO & Founder of Blunts And Moore, the 1st retail shop under Oakland’s Cannabis Social Equity Program. Prior to opening his business, he worked at and was a vendor for multiple Bay Area dispensaries from 1999-2004. In 2003 he attempted to become an owner of a dispensary, and was told blacks would never own in this business. In 2005 he was arrested for possession with the intent to sell, and given 10 years of felony probation with a 4-way search clause. Still determined to learn more on the legal side, he attended and graduated from Oaksterdam University in 2008. Tucky took every course that OU had to offer, and to this day, still stays in touch with his Oaksterdam family.
Tucky is the truest example of persistence and determination. He has blazed the path for many more dispensary owners to come from the Oakland Social Equity program and continues to educate just about anyone on the ins and outs of the cannabis industry!
Congresswoman Barbara Lee
Throughout her illustrious career, Congresswoman Lee has been a relentless advocate for justice and equity. Her unwavering commitment to dismantling outdated cannabis laws has paved the way for progress and social change. Congresswoman Lee has been a force for cannabis legalization. She has lent her voice to American Pot Story, an award-winning documentary reflecting Oakland, California’s rich history of civil resistance which led to the opening of the first-ever cannabis college, Oaksterdam University.
We applaud Congresswoman Lee for championing the cause of cannabis decriminalization, breaking down barriers, and promoting inclusivity within the industry. She is fearless in speaking out against terrible ideas and not afraid to upset the status quo, as the original sole voice in opposition to the Iraq War and the War on Drugs. Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering a more equitable and compassionate approach to drug policy.
As we commemorate Black History Month, let us reflect on the tireless efforts of trailblazers like Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who continues to shape a future where justice, equality, and access to cannabis education prevail.
