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In The United States vs. Billie Holiday, Oscar nominee Andra Day plays Billie Holiday through the depths of her drug addiction, which made her a target for the FBI and led to her untimely death in 1959. More than 60 years later —and almost exactly one year ago— 28-year-old Breonna Taylor became another Black woman who died too young, killed by police as part of a botched drug raid.
Black and brown women continue to be wrongfully arrested and incarcerated on drug charges, even as legal weed and CBD products emerge as a booming business. The women-founded CBD brand oHHO is aiming to change that, announcing their partnership with the Women’s Prison Association.
Founded by Nicola Stephenson last year, just before the pandemic took over, oHHo brings Stephenson’s passion for clean products from full spectrum CBD oils, repair balms, pre-rolls, to gummies. After learning that the 4/20 holiday is now also used to advocate against wrongful incarceration, Stephenson felt she needed to do more, and began donating to the Women’s Prison Association and working with their artist program. For 175 years, the New York City-based nonprofit has empowered women to redefine their lives in the face of justice and incarceration. “WPA is excited to partner with oHHo! The ‘demand justice’ collection will support programs designed specifically for women and elevate their voices and experiences,” said Rebecca Pak, Director of Donor Engagement for WPA.
The capsule collection of special designed CBD oils and limited edition sweatshirts includes the artwork of Brooklyn artist and activist, Sage Adams, also known as SageFlocka. As an artist, Adams uses their platform to intentionally create work that is meant for more than just vanity, but to also reflect the times. “Getting to make art is something that I care about. It is the pinnacle of what you want to do as an artist,” said Adams. “Caring is activism and I differ on that kind of; minimum is caring. Everyone should be caring. If you’re participating, you should be caring.”
Through the sales of these limited edition items, oHHo will donate a percentage of proceeds with the goal of raising $20,000 for the Women’s Prison Association. The money raised is enough to provide one woman with the tools to build the life they want for themselves and their family through alternative incarceration programs offered through the WPA. But Stephenson understands this is just a start: “Money is important, but also just like knowing that these organizations exist and knowing the choices you make, make a difference is really just what we’re trying to do.”
On March 22nd oHHo will host a panel discussion led by Humble Bloom’s Solonje Burnett to bring together a collection of strong femme voices in cannabis, art, abolition, and social justice in support of the Women’s Prison Association. Panelists include Sage Adams, Arissa Hall, Co-Founder and Director, National Bail Out, and Annette Washington, WPA resident artist.
