Pan-African Thought and Cannabis Symposium
Past, Present, and Future: Cannabis Legalization and Economic Empowerment through the Lens of Pan-African Thought

Event Type: Free Pre-Conference Event | Symposium (RSVP required)

Date & Time: Thursday, September 26, 2025 · 12:00–4:00 PM ET

Location:
Thomas Jefferson University – Thomas Jefferson Alumni Hall
1020 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Host / Organizer: Hosted by The Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated – Local Charter 12; powered by DACO during Black Cannabis Week 2025

Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Umar Johnson (Ifatunde Oguntade) — renowned Pan-African leader and educator grounding the symposium in global African thought and community empowerment.

Event Overview:
This interactive pre-conference symposium centers Pan-African thought to explore cannabis legalization, justice, and community empowerment across time. Through a keynote and three dynamic panels, we will honor history, examine the present, and envision an equitable future.

Agenda (12:00–4:00 PM):
• Welcome & Opening Remarks
• Keynote: Dr. Umar Johnson (Ifatunde Oguntade)
• Panel 1: The Past — prohibition, pain, harm, and a rich legacy culture
• Panel 2: The Present — legalization and leadership in an emerging industry
• Panel 3: The Future — restorative justice and economic empowerment
• Closing Reflections

Tickets: General Admission — Free (RSVP required)

Audience: Community members, students, scholars, policymakers, cannabis advocates, and Pan-African leaders.

Contact: smpesquire@outlook.com · (561) 929-4678

Tags / Hashtags: #BlackCannabisWeek #PanAfricanCannabis #CannabisJustice #EthiopianWorldFederation #DACO #CannabisEquity