Honeysuckle is proud to present "Black Gold: A Celebration of Black Cannabis Community Movers and Shakers" in partnership with the Equity Trade Network! Next up in this series of Black History Month profiles, it's the culinary innovation and entrepreneurial grit of Anthony Jenkins Jr., founder of edibles brand Next Level.
Black Gold: Honeysuckle Magazine And Equity Trade Network Celebrate Black History Month
Drop the needle on Nina Simone's iconic anthem, "Young, Gifted, and Black," because Honeysuckle Magazine is joining forces with Equity Trade Network to unleash a whirlwind of stories, values, and pure personality from the cream of the crop in Black-owned craft brands. This is a celebration with swagger: We’re shining a spotlight on the trailblazers who walk the walk - the community leaders are carving out paths of impact with every puff, pour and product.
Who And What Are The Equity Trade Network?
Who is the Equity Trade Network? They’re the fearless leaders behind the groundbreaking Equity Trade Certification Mark. It's not just a stamp; it's a badge of honor that shouts, "We're here to shake things up!" It’s earned by those dedicated to building equitable ecosystems, where every dollar spent packs a punch of purpose. So get ready to groove to the rhythm of empowerment and progress. Because when Honeysuckle Magazine and Equity Trade Network join forces, history doesn’t repeat itself - it roars into the future.
Who Is Next Level Founder Anthony Jenkins Jr.?
In the realm of cannabis cuisine, Anthony Jenkins Jr. stands as a visionary, a maestro of flavor who's turning ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences. As the founder of Next Level, he's infusing culture, creativity, and community into every bite.
At Next Level, cannabis isn't just an ingredient; it's a catalyst for culinary revolution. With products like infused full spectrum coconut oil and brown sugar, Anthony is empowering consumers to take their favorite dishes and drinks to new heights. From decadent desserts to savory delights, Next Level is redefining what it means to elevate your culinary experience.
Cultural Connection:
For Anthony, cannabis is a symbol of connection—a bridge between past and present, tradition and innovation. Born in Hayward, California, with roots stretching back to Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Nigeria, Anthony's cultural heritage is as diverse as the flavors he infuses into his creations. Cannabis, for him, is more than just a plant; it's a passport to a world of shared experiences, from family gatherings to spirited games of dominoes.
Soundtrack for Success:
With Crucial Conflict's "Hay," Memphis Bleek's "I Get High," and Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams' "It Blows My Mind" on his smoking playlist, Anthony's culinary inspiration knows no bounds. Each song is a symphony of flavor, a testament to the eclectic influences that shape his palate and his craft.
Listen to Crucial Conflict's "Hay":
*Editor's Note: "Hay" is an honorable mention on CelebStoner founder Steve Bloom's Weedsday Playlist.
Listen to Memphis Bleek's "I Get High":
Listen to Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams' "It Blows My Mind":
*Editor's Note: Want more beats from Snoop Dogg? Click here and here.
Favorite “Go To” Munchie:
When the munchies strike, Anthony's go-to indulgence is a Brown Butter Cinnabon with apples and walnuts—a decadent delight that's as comforting as it is satisfying.
Chill Sessions and Connections with Key People:
In a perfect "chill session," Anthony would choose to commune with the Egyptian deity Thoth—a mythical figure synonymous with wisdom and enlightenment. It's a testament to Anthony's own quest for knowledge and his desire to elevate not just his craft but his consciousness.
Favorite Cannabis-Fueled Activity:
For Anthony, the plant is about relaxation and elevation. Whether he's sinking baskets on the basketball court or immersing himself in the rhythm of his favorite tunes, cannabis enhances every experience, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Challenges and Opportunities:
As a Black entrepreneur in a predominantly white industry, Anthony understands the challenges that lie ahead. From the lack of resources to the barriers of entry, he's seen it all. Yet, through it all, he remains steadfast in his belief that with opportunity comes innovation, and with innovation comes change.
Looking to the Future:
Looking to the future, Anthony sees endless possibilities for the Black community in cannabis. From entrepreneurship to self-care, cannabis has the power to uplift and empower, to create opportunities where none existed before.
Making a Difference:
At Next Level, community isn't just a buzzword; it's a way of life. Through outreach programs, networking opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Anthony and his team are building a brand that’s also a movement—one rooted in culture, creativity, and culinary excellence.
As Black History Month unfolds, we celebrate trailblazers like Anthony Jenkins Jr., whose entrepreneurial spirit and culinary prowess are reshaping the cannabis landscape. Through his passion, his dedication, and his unwavering commitment to excellence, he's doing more than just cooking with cannabis. He's cooking up a brighter future for us all.
For more about Anthony and Next Level, visit nextleveledibles.com.
To learn more about Equity Trade Network, visit equitytradenetwork.org. You can also read about Equity Trade Network in Honeysuckle's 17th print edition, featuring Havoc of Mobb Deep. Get your copy now at dispensaries nationwide or click here to order!
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Written By:
Jake Wall is the Chief Innovation Officer and one of the trio of co-founders of MAISON BLOOM, the cannabis industry’s first strain-specific, whole-plant, single-barrel beverage brand. A veteran brand builder and growth marketing leader, Wall has a depth of experience across consumer brands, luxury fashion, digital and e-commerce, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and food and beverage/hospitality industries. Wall has played an integral role in shepherding numerous brands to their high-growth and adoption phases including eHOW, LIVESTRONG, JAKE Clothing, Haute Couture French Bubbles, Ayesha Curry’s International Smoke, and Chef Michael Mina’s empire of restaurants (MINA).
During his time with MINA, Wall oversaw branding and market adoption for 45+ different worldwide locations across 10 brands delivering $220M+ in annual revenues. Prior to MINA, he served as Creative Director at JAKE, where he managed a lifecycle of four seasonal product lines, as well as developing a unique custom operation that could operate at scale to deliver $10M+ in annual revenues and secure a successful exit for stakeholders. He has been profiled in publications including BizBash, Inc.com, SF Chronicle, WWD, Marie Claire, and Huffington Post.
@jakesonetoknowone (IG)
Jaime Lubin is Honeysuckle's Editor-At-Large. Her writing has appeared in HuffPost, Observer, Billboard and more. Also an actress and singer, she can be found on Twitter and Instagram.
@jaimelubin (IG)
@jaimelubin (Twitter)
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Featured image: Anthony Jenkins Jr., founder of Next Level (C) Next Level
