Educate, Elevate, and Empower with Urban Weeds

Urban Upbound NYC
3 min readFeb 27, 2024

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Just days before Black History Month Urban Weeds, a Black-owned and led organization, opened its doors as the first legal dispensary on Steinway. This significant milestone marks not only a breakthrough in the cannabis industry but also a beacon of hope for communities striving for change. Urban Weeds exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship while prioritizing social responsibility with 100% of profits going to Urban Upbound programs.

In the wake of the war on drugs, which has disproportionately impacted Black and brown communities, Urban Weeds emerges as a response to systemic injustice. Bishop Mitchell Taylor, CEO of Urban Weeds, sheds light on the urgency for transformation: “Urban Weeds is our bold initiative to combat injustices — a platform for economic empowerment and social justice. By shopping at Urban Weeds, you are uplifting public housing communities where extreme racial disparities have persisted in marijuana crimes.”

Urban Weeds doesn’t merely serve as a dispensary; it’s a catalyst for change. Teaming up with Urban Upbound, a non-profit dedicated to empowering individuals and families, Urban Weeds offers comprehensive services to address the root causes of poverty and inequality. Urban Upbound’s services include Employment Services, College Access and Youth Development, Mental Health and Wellness, Financial Counseling and Affordable Housing, Tax Preparation and Income Support, Community Revitalization through Business Innovation, all anchored by the Urban Upbound Federal Credit Union.

As Black History Month unfolds, Urban Weeds shines as a symbol of progress and resilience. It stands on the shoulders of trailblazers who fought for justice and equality. In celebrating Black history, we honor their legacy by continuing to pave the way for future generations.

Urban Weeds isn’t just making history; it’s rewriting the narrative. By leveraging the cannabis industry as a platform for social change, Urban Weeds is breaking barriers and creating opportunities. It’s a beacon of hope, opportunity, and possibility for all.
In Bishop Mitchell Taylor’s words, “Urban Weeds is more than a dispensary; it’s a movement. It’s about harnessing the power of community to create lasting change.”

As we celebrate Black History Month, let us recognize and honor the contributions of organizations like Urban Weeds that lead the charge toward a more equitable and inclusive society. Let us amplify their voices, support their initiatives, and stand in solidarity as we continue the journey toward justice and equality for all.

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Urban Upbound NYC

A collection of stories around NYC’s public housing communities curated by Urban Upbound, a non-profit organization with a mission to break cycles of poverty.