It’s 4/20! The sound you’re hearing is the collective flick of the lighters your weed smoking compadres just used to light their celebratory joint in honor of the holiday. But aside from being taken to another dimension, 4/20 is a great opportunity for us to reflect on the strides we’ve made in decriminalizing marijuana, how we can continue to support our incarcerated sisters, and the work we still have to do for justice in light of the so-called war on drugs. Here’s a list of just some of the women who are doing the work to destigmatize and decriminalize weed use.
Jasmine Mans
You may know Jasmine Mans for her poetic takedown of Kanye West or from her recent collection of poems in Black Girl, Call Home. When she is not writing rhymes though, she is over at Buy Weed from Women, the clothing business she started in hopes to, in her own words, support “women entrepreneurs and the legalization of cannabis.” Over at the website, you can cop yourself a jacket, a tote, and more to further Mans’ worthy message.
Wanda James
After meeting her formerly incarcerated brother who was imprisoned for ten years for a 4 oz. bag of weed, Wanda James knew she had to do something. It led to Simply Pure, the first Black woman owned legal dispensary in the United States. Alongside her husband, James strives to give people more than weed products at her dispensary, but a lesson in the disproportionate ways Black people are impacted by drug criminalization.
Toi Hutchinson
Former Illinois state senator Toi Hutchison left her life of politics to become the President and CEO of Marijuana Policy Project. Building on the work she did while in politics, Hutchinson is dedicated to the cause of making sure weed is legal across the country.
Whitney Beatty
With a financial co-sign from Jay-Z , Whitney Beatty opened Josephine & Billie’s, leading her to become the first Black woman in Los Angeles to own a weed speakeasy. Beatty says: “We believe that we can fill a large hole in the retail market by becoming not just a dispensary, but a destination, bolstered by our connection to the community and authentic POC voice.”
Dasheeda Dawson
As the founder of WeedHead and Company and author of How to Succeed in the Cannabis Industry, Dasheeda Dawson has committed herself to educating people about the booming weed industry so the business of professionally selling weed can become more inclusive.
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Everybody wants generational wealth, but are we really talking about what it takes to keep it? In this special series of Making Cents, filmed at A Weekend for Love, four power couples are pulling back the curtain on the real work behind financial freedom—because, let’s be real, to achieve the soft life, you gotta put some work in first.
Each couple has a different story about how they became financially independent, but it wasn't without its challenges. From being in debt to breaking bad money habits, see how each couple made it to the sunny side of financial freedom.
Dr. Alduan Tart & Mecca Tart: Love, Legacy & Financial Freedom
Dr. Alduan Tart & Mecca Tart know that money isn’t just about numbers—it’s about mindset, strategy, and teamwork. Because it's not about how you can build generational wealth, but rather how can you become financially free. In this episode, they’re breaking down their seven-figure game plan for couples looking to secure the bag together. From smart money management and debt-free living to spiritual guidance and the power of a wealthy network, they show that financial success starts at home.
Ben & Marie Ward: Debt-Free & Thriving
Nine years of marriage taught Ben & Marie Ward that financial freedom is the ultimate flex. They tackled debt head-on, invested wisely, and built a future they once thought was impossible. And guess what? That car you’re still making payments on? It’s not an asset until the title has your name on it. The Wards knew this all too well—so they eliminated car payments, decluttered their home, and turned financial discipline into wealth-building power.
Lee & Martika Jenkins: From Crisis To Comeback
When the 2008 financial crisis hit, Lee & Martika Jenkins lost 70% of their net worth overnight. It wiped out their savings and slashed their credit score in half. But instead of crumbling, they got strategic. In this episode, they share how they rebuilt their wealth from the ground up, avoided debt, and created multiple income streams—all while keeping their marriage strong.
Sherry & Markiel Singley: Lessons They Wish They Knew Sooner
For years, Sherry & Markiel Singley were just trying to make ends meet—until they realized that financial literacy was the missing piece. Markiel grew up hearing, “Don’t worry ‘bout them bills,” until that mindset left him $12K in debt over a car that wasn’t even running. In this episode, they get real about shifting their financial habits, rebuilding their credit, and creating stability for their family.
Catch all the gems in the Making Cents series.
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