The Weight We Carry. A press Release.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Micah Crawford Premieres Storytelling and Curated Exhibition Highlighting Equity in Illinois’ Cannabis Industry

Chicago, IL — April 19, 2025 — Artist and filmmaker Micah Crawford announces the completion and public presentation of The Weight We Carry, an exhibition made possible by the Illinois Arts Council.

The exhibition will take place at 3pm on April 19, 2025, at 3636 S. Iron Street, Chicago, IL, bringing audiences into an intimate exploration of equity, entrepreneurship, and systemic challenges within Illinois’ cannabis industry. Arrive early as space is very limited.

This multidisciplinary project centers on McKenzie’s Secured Transportation (MST), a Black-owned, family-operated transportation company based on Chicago’s South Side. Operating within Illinois’ Social Equity Cannabis program, MST represents both the promise and the ongoing challenges of equity in a rapidly evolving industry.

Through intimate storytelling and a curated exhibition, Crawford captures the daily operations, lived experiences, and perspectives of MST’s owners and employees. The work provides a nuanced exploration of how policy, opportunity, and systemic barriers intersect within the cannabis sector.

“This project is about visibility, accountability, and storytelling,” said Crawford. “It’s important to document not just the existence of social equity programs, but how they actually function for the people they’re meant to serve.”

The Weight We Carry aims to:
          ● Raise awareness of minority-owned businesses within Illinois’ cannabis industry
          ● Educate the public on the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act
          ● Highlight ongoing disparities and barriers to true equity
          ● Foster dialogue around social justice and economic inclusion

Crawford, whose previous work spans collaborations with creative institutions and community-based organizations, continues to use storytelling as a tool for advocacy, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

For more information, media inquiries, or future screenings, please contact: [email protected]