Today we’d like to introduce you to Nekima Levy Armstrong.
Nekima, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always been passionate about social justice, advocating for others, and uplifting communities. I moved to Minnesota in 2003 after being hired as a law professor by the University of St. Thomas School of Law. I taught at St. Thomas for thirteen years and founded the Community Justice Project, an award-winning civil rights clinic still in existence. Our work involved listening to community concerns on racial justice issues, researching, problem-solving, and advocating for needed changes. One of the primary issues that I began focusing on in 2005 was police accountability. My law students and I worked collaboratively with Black community members in St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood to challenge police abuse and unjust arrests that were disproportionately impacting low-income people of color. I became an outspoken advocate for civil rights and racial justice, an activist, and a community leader. In 2015, I was elected president of the Minneapolis NAACP. In 2017, I ran for mayor of Minneapolis on a police accountability and racial justice platform.
In 2018, I founded the Racial Justice Network, which focuses on education, criminal justice, and economic justice issues in the Twin Cities. In 2019, I became the executive director of a national nonprofit organization that provides technical and financial support for Black and Brown women activists and organizers in key cities nationwide, including Minneapolis/St. Paul. While holding various professional positions throughout my career, I have also spent a great deal of time organizing and helping to lead protests and demonstrations focused on police accountability and justice, including in the aftermath of the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd.
In September 2022, I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. While recovering from neurosurgery, I began building my brand called Dope Roots, which specializes in low-dose, hemp-derived THC products such as canna butter, chocolate canna spread, gummies, beverages, and infused desserts. My goal is to help educate the public, particularly women and working moms like me, about the benefits of low-dose THC products now that these products are legal in Minnesota and most states around the country. Building Dope Roots and creating infused, easy-to-use, and effective products has been one of my most challenging yet fun adventures thus far. I love bringing joy, excitement and ease to my customers.
In 2023, I published my first children’s book, “J is for Justice.” The book teaches children the power of protesting and advocating for justice. It is based on my experience as a mother who brought her young daughter to protests and demonstrations centered on ending police violence. I have visited many schools in the Twin Cities to read my book to children and to engage them on key social justice issues.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have faced many challenges on the path to becoming a strong advocate for justice. It is not easy being an outspoken Black woman in Minnesota, which is over 80% white. At first, it was difficult to get people to pay attention to the injustices being experienced by lower-income communities of color. There was a lot of backlash and criticism from those who did not want to hear about the challenges, and many elected officials refused to use their political capital to help bring about change. I also experienced disrespect from some male leaders in the community who did not want to see a woman leading. Throughout those struggles, I learned to persevere, develop a thicker skin, and realize the power of my voice and leadership in effecting change.
As you know, we’re big fans of Dope Roots. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Dope Roots is a wellness brand that provides low-dose, hemp-derived THC products for those who want to micro-dose as a part of their lifestyle/wellness routine. Dope Roots is one of a small number of Black women-owned cannabis companies in Minnesota. Our products include canna butter, chocolate canna spread, infused cookies, gummies, etc., allowing consumers to incorporate low doses of THC into their day-to-day lives and experiences more efficiently. I have heard fantastic feedback from customers regarding how Dope Roots products have helped them to unwind better, relax, ease anxiety, help with pain, and sleep. Our products are unique, affordable, and delicious. Dope Roots’ products have also been an essential part of my healing journey and desire to reduce stress and anxiety when needed. We also host social and educational events to build community and reduce the stigma surrounding cannabis use.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Despite my public persona of being outspoken and bold, I’m an introvert who enjoys peace, tranquility, alone time, and spending quality time with my family and close friends. I also love to travel domestically and internationally and explore new horizons.
Contact Info:
- Website: doperootscanna.com and nekimalevyarmstrong.com
- Instagram: @doperootscanna and @nekimal
