As a Massachusetts dispensary, Rev is proud to be from this great state with deep roots in American history. We seek to not shy away from the past, but confront and understand it so we can make a better future.
There’s a lot of historical importance in June worthy of both reflection and celebration. Here’s the run-down on what Rev has going on this June, and how you can get involved!
Pride Month
Pride Month started as a riot. On June 28, 1969, patrons of a gay bar called the Stonewall Inn were arrested en masse by New York City Police. The Greenwich Village bar soon became the site of an uprising against police aggression against LGBT+ people, which was a common occurrence in queer bars at the time. Rocks were thrown, police barricaded themselves into the bar, and two nights of rioting ensued. Many historians consider Stonewall to be the incident that ignited the queer liberation movement, which has lasted until today.
To commemorate the Stonewall riots, gay pride marches began to take place in June — and soon after, the month of June became the Pride Month we know today. However, there is also a deep connection between LGBTQ+ liberation and cannabis. Medical cannabis was first legitimized during the AIDS crisis, when cannabis was commonly used as a treatment for AIDS symptoms. The modern fight for cannabis freedom and LGBTQ+ rights goes hand in hand, and is a relationship we continue to celebrate at Rev.
Rev is committed to our LGBTQ+ family year-round, but of course we party a little harder every June! This Pride Month, Rev and Kiva are each pledging 5% of sales on 6/10 to GLAD! We’re pledging 5% of net sales on June 10th, and 5% from all Kiva profits. We also attended the JP Block Party which featured live music, a drag show, and more celebrations — with portions of the profit going towards LBGTQ+ charities as well.
Juneteenth
In the long road to freedom and equality for Black Americans, Juneteenth commemorates a major milestone. The holiday celebrates June 19, 1865, when Union troops announced in Texas that all enslaved people had been freed. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation had officially ended slavery two years earlier, many people continued to be enslaved throughout the Southern United States. After the surrender of the Confederacy, Juneteenth is often celebrated as the true Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth is a time for many of us to reflect on the long road ahead to equality, and to commit to a better future. As Black Americans still experience disproportionate rates of incarceration, police brutality, and income inequality, we still have a long way to go towards equality. Progress starts with each and every one of us, and at Rev we’re committed to uplifting — and giving back to — the Black community. That’s why on Monday, June 20th, we will be giving 5% of our net sales to Black Boston. Visit their website for more information about their mission to support young Black Bostonians through education, political advocacy, and other projects.
We are also honored to be attending the Juneteenth Edition of Tiny Trap Concerts on Saturday, June 18th as a vendor, and hope to see you there in celebration!
Summer Solstice
The summer solstice marks the first official day of summer. On June 21, 2022 — at 5:14 a.m. — the sun will be directly overhead the Tropic of Cancer. This phenomenon is known as the summer solstice, which occurs between June 20 and June 22 every year.
As the longest day of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere), many cultures celebrate the summer solstice as the first day of summer. From ancient to modern times, summer’s warm days and long sunlight hours have been something to celebrate. The solstice is a time to soak up the sun, and appreciate everything that summer has to offer. And what better way to kick off summer than by ordering online from your favorite dispensary in Mass?
If you’re looking to spend your summer solstice in nature, check out our 420 blog for homegrown inspiration and ways to enjoy cannabis in Massachusetts — including natural parks and landscapes right here in Boston!
