Celebrating Black Excellence: A Conversation with Talesha Banks
Reflections on Black History Month and a Sweet Cannabis-Infused Treat
Honoring Black Voices in Cannabis
This black history month, RISE reflects on the contributions of Black Americans across generations. Our goal is to acknowledge and work to decrease the disparities that exist within the cannabis industry and beyond. As we celebrate Black excellence, in hopes of building a future that reflects the power of Black voices, we want to amplify one of our own.
Talesha Banks has been with us for over two and a half years. Recently we sat down with her to learn about her motivations and how she celebrates Black History Month – plus Talesha shares an incredibly tasty tradition of her own that will satisfy the munchies all year round. We encourage you to read through, reflect on how you're acknowledging Black History Month this year, and have some fun with it too.
Meet Talesha Banks: Advocate, Educator, and Cannabis Enthusiast
PCS, She/Her
How long have you worked at GTI and/or in the cannabis industry?
2 years and 7 months
What sparked your interest in the cannabis industry?
Cannabis has always had a bad name, but it helps in so many ways that a lot of people are unaware of. I wanted to be a part of the world to help educate those who don’t know and to provide for those who need. I also learn something new every day from being in industry, it’s an exciting field to be involved in.
How do you celebrate Black History Month?
I celebrate Black History Month in 2 ways each day I pick a “Hero” as I call them and teach my kids about black excellence in history that isn’t taught to them in school and the second way is by shopping locally black owned businesses and posting on social media promoting them to add spotlight to those overlooked.
How can readers support their local organizations or Black History Month celebrations?
Be more involved! Shop, donate, or share the word. A little can go a long way by just being proactive in the community in so way. Help uplifting one another to build a stronger community.
What is your favorite GTI product or strain?
When it comes to flower, the Good Green Blue Zashimi is hands down my favorite strain and I can’t leave out my edibles the Encore Concord Grape RSO are my fave!
Celebrating Black History Month Through Culture and Sweet Treats
Hopefully Talesha's answer have given you not just ideas for how to celebrate Black History Month, but also new strains and products to try. Strains that pair perfectly with a delicious treat straight from Talesha's recipe book – Strawberry Lemonade Delight cookies.
Ingredients:
Infused Strawberry Lemonade Cookies
1 Box of strawberry cake mix
1 Box of lemon cake mix
4 eggs
Cannaoil or cannabutter
Flour
Optional: Strawberry icing and lemon icing Yields: 2 dozen cookies
Steps:
Step one: Preheat oven to 350.
Step two: Mix the batters in two separate bowls. Pour box cake mix in a bowl then add in 2 eggs, and 1/3 cup of cannaoil; if using cannabutter, melt your butter down and measure out 1/3 cup. Combine the ingredients then add 1tbs of flour and mix in. *Keynote: The flour is to help the batter from being too sticky when forming if you need to add more do so with caution you don’t want stiff cookies.
Step three: After both mixtures are made using an ice cream scoop collect half of batter from each mixture then roll into a ball place on baking pan lined with parchment paper and press down slightly to flatten the ball into a cookie shape. *Spray scoop with nonstick spray*
Step four: Place in oven for approximately 10mins for soft baked cookies or to desired texture.
Step five: Take cookies out to cool if you have a cooling rack that's even better. After cookies are cooled drizzle with icing if desired selected.
Wrapping Things Up
Black History Month is an opportunity for all of us to reflect, look forward and celebrate the contributions by Black Americans everywhere. It was a pleasure to talk with Talesha and get a personal perspective on how she celebrates and honors Black Americans. You can be part of the movement by simply honoring the resilience, brilliance, and lasting impact of Black people at RISE and beyond – taking inspiration from them into your daily life. If we all work harder to elevate Black voices and businesses, we can create a lasting impact. Thank you for joining us as we acknowledge Black History Month.
