By Immani Love
When I was given the topic for this week’s article, I thought of all kinds of ways to approach it. As I do with everything I write, I think of what is most important to relay, what I want to say to people with my writing. If it’s a topic I know a lot about, I can write easily and swiftly with very little research. But if it’s a topic I have very little insight into, I do my research, I read articles, talk to people who have information or education or are deemed “experts” and learn from them before I share with you wonderful people. At the end of the day, I hope to come up with something that you WANT to read, something that keeps your attention, and overall, something that makes you want to read more from me. So, for the “4/20 or Earth Day” issue, I began to do my research and as I read, I got bored and decided, I don’t want to try to educate you or influence you one way or another about celebrating the use of marijuana or it’s many benefits. I don’t want to give you the history of Earth Day and why we need it. I’m just going to write and see what comes out.
I am surrounded in my life by marijuana smokers, for as long as I can remember, my siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts, and most recently found out, one of my parents! Most of my partners have been smokers, several friends, other artists, basically my world has pretty much been engulfed in smoke, however, I am not a smoker. I just never had the interest. <shrug> I don’t smoke but have been told that I hang around the smokers in my life “for the contact.” OK, that’s possible. I have traveled to Amsterdam several times over the years and absolutely LOVE going every chance I get, and when I tell people the reason that I love Amsterdam is the people and how beautiful it is, I am always met with a side-eye or a chuckle and a wink that says, “Sure, you do!” So each year when 4/20 comes around, I celebrate it like most of the world does just without actually smoking. I go to festivals or hang with friends while they celebrate, or even once a “legalize it” rally. Although marijuana legalization has made large strides in a lot of places, there’s still a lot of work to be done when black and brown people are still being incarcerated for its usage or possession. (Ok, that was my one soapbox statement) I say all of that to say, Celebrate 4/20 in whatever way you see fit! Whether you are a smoker or not, we as a people can always use another reason to celebrate life!
As for Earth Day, a mere two days later, I am inclined to tap into my herbalist roots. I spend time chatting to my father about his work with medicinal herbs and community gardens, or talk to my brother, a black farmer in upstate New York, about the work he does with his community. I can be found at a local farmer’s market supporting them by buying their fresh fruits and veggies. I love botanical gardens and even have memberships to several of them in different cities. I feel like each of us celebrates Earth Day in their own way every day, not just on the day recognized to do so. We all know our Earth is in jeopardy, we’ve seen the changes in weather, the devastation of natural disasters, and the astronomical amount of waste we produce that could be used to fuel our lives, so I guess having a single day to bring more attention to it doesn’t hurt, right? (Ok, that was another soapbox moment but really the last one, I promise!) Attending a tree planting event or using part of your day at the beach to pick up garbage while you pick up seashells if you like is one of the many ways you can celebrate but who am I to tell you what to do? I’m just your friendly local author/writer/contributor with a little something to say every once in a while. How ever you mark these days each year, all I ask, is that you celebrate safely and with your whole heart, that’s what really matters.
I. Love
She/ Her
@immanilove
