At Parkway Dispensary, we believe Juneteenth is more than just a holiday. It is a day to honor Black resilience, reflect on the long-delayed promise of freedom, and celebrate the progress that has been made. It also calls attention to the challenges that still exist, especially in legal cannabis markets like Illinois. We see Juneteenth as both a celebration and a reminder that justice must be backed by action.
The Meaning Behind Juneteenth
Juneteenth marks the day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to announce that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved people were now free. This news came more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The delay was not due to communication issues. It was the result of intentional suppression and the continued exploitation of Black labor.
Juneteenth quickly became a grassroots celebration of freedom, with Black communities across the country organizing gatherings, music, food, and storytelling to honor the date. In 2021, the United States officially recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday. While this recognition was long overdue, it came after a year of national protests demanding racial justice. True equity requires more than symbolism. It demands investment, opportunity, and access.
Cannabis Legalization Has Not Delivered Equity
When Illinois legalized adult-use cannabis in 2020, the state promised to create an industry that would benefit communities harmed by prohibition. That promise has not been fully realized. Black entrepreneurs continue to face barriers to entering the market, from excessive startup costs and long wait times for licenses to a lack of access to banking and real estate.
Many Black residents still suffer the consequences of past cannabis convictions. Although cannabis is legal today, the communities most impacted by the war on drugs have seen the fewest benefits from legalization. Municipal policies and systemic inequalities have made it difficult for Black-owned businesses to compete, and this disparity is especially noticeable in retail and cultivation.
At Parkway Dispensary, we believe Juneteenth is a time to reflect on these realities and take meaningful steps toward change. We are committed to supporting equity through action, not just words. One way to do that is by actively promoting and stocking cannabis brands owned by Black entrepreneurs.
Support Black-Owned Cannabis Brands at Parkway
Juneteenth is a perfect opportunity to support Black-owned cannabis brands that are changing the game in Illinois. At Parkway Dispensary locations in Tilton and Fox Lake, we proudly carry several standout brands created and operated by Black founders who are paving the way for greater representation and ownership in cannabis.
- 93 Boyz is Illinois’ first Black-owned cannabis brand, founded by Chicago artist Vic Mensa. Known for its premium flower and focus on community reinvestment, 93 Boyz continues to lead with purpose and style.
- Wake N Vape and Wake N Puff offer a vibrant, lifestyle-driven approach to cannabis with vape and pre-roll products designed to be fun, accessible, and reflective of cultural identity.
- Galaxy Labs is a family-owned craft cannabis company with a commitment to quality, transparency, and representation. Their flower is grown with care and carries a strong community-driven mission.
By choosing these brands, customers are directly supporting Black ownership and reinvesting in communities that have long been excluded from the economic benefits of legalization. You can find these brands and more at both Parkway Tilton and Parkway Fox Lake. Shop with purpose and help shape a more inclusive cannabis industry.
Powered by The 1937 Group: A BIPOC-Owned Cannabis Company
Parkway Dispensary is proud to operate under The 1937 Group, one of the first vertically integrated, BIPOC-owned cannabis companies in Illinois. The name honors the year the federal government passed the Marihuana Tax Act. This law marked the beginning of widespread criminalization of cannabis, often used as a tool to target Black and Brown communities.
The 1937 Group was formed to challenge the past and build an equitable future for cannabis in Illinois. Its portfolio includes several dynamic, values-driven brands:
- Outfitters offers craft flower and pre-rolls grown with precision and high standards.
- TerpKings delivers terpene-rich strains with loud flavor profiles for true cannabis connoisseurs.
- Higher Self focuses on intentional, wellness-based cannabis products for holistic healing.
- Kush League blends sports, culture, and cannabis into a lifestyle brand rooted in authenticity.
Each purchase of these products directly supports a BIPOC-owned company born and raised in Illinois. Parkway is proud to help bring these products to market and into the hands of customers who care about where their cannabis comes from.
Why Juneteenth Matters for Cannabis Equity
Juneteenth reminds us that freedom delayed is not freedom denied, but it is freedom that must be fought for. In cannabis, that fight continues. Despite legal reforms, the path to ownership and opportunity remains narrow for many Black (and Brown) residents of Illinois. The same structural forces that delayed freedom in 1865 still exist today in the form of zoning restrictions, capital barriers, and limited access to retail licenses.
Parkway Dispensary takes this responsibility seriously. We do more than offer products. We work to build an ecosystem that supports local entrepreneurs, honors the communities impacted by prohibition, and celebrates culture through every step of the cannabis journey.
Join Us in Honoring Juneteenth
Today, we encourage you to celebrate Juneteenth by reflecting on its history and by making conscious choices in the present. Learn the stories of your community. Talk to your family and friends about the meaning of this day. Most importantly, support businesses and brands that are working to build a more inclusive and equitable future.
When you shop at Parkway, you support a local dispensary with a commitment to justice, representation, and real impact. From the products we stock to the partnerships we build, everything we do is rooted in our values. Visit Parkway in Tilton or Fox Lake today and explore our collection of Black-owned and BIPOC-led cannabis brands. Together, we can move the industry forward and continue the work of freedom with each intentional purchase. Juneteenth is a celebration of liberation. Let’s make it a celebration of action, too.