#Repost @chelseahiggswise @download.ins --- Happy Virginia Marijuana bill signing day. Don’t expect to see our racial justice advocates in the room today because the invite for Marijuana Justice never came. Our exclusion from Virginia’s “celebration” spotlights the continued process of beating the pavement from the outside to demand our voices be heard inside the #valeg. If you’re wondering why certain repeal (eliminating illegal searches in cars, youth criminalization) and repair (resentencing) components were not included in the “legalization” bill then take a look at the crowd invited in for the bill signing and who was left off the list. That’s the dynamic for working this bill the last few months. It’s been exhausting. I’m not shocked by this slight, but it’s important to remind everyone that without an inclusive process, we will never reach an equitable outcome. July 1 Virginia is set to repeal the prohibition but keep up with how it also sets up to target driving while Black and giving Black and Brown kids criminal sentences instead of services. Thanks to #legalizeitright coalition partners @acluva for making sure we know our rights. And our other partners @rise4youth @justicefwdva for working to get it right. #coinsnotcuffs Follow @thcjusticenow and even pass over some coins at $marijuanajustice (at Richmond, Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQzAqzelVEi/?utm_medium=tumblr