Why now?
Black Americans have been disproportionately impacted by tobacco due to a history of targeted marketing, systemic inequities, discrimination, and fewer culturally relevant quitting resources.
Throughout the 20th century, the targeted marketing of menthol cigarettes and higher prevalence of tobacco advertising in Black neighborhoods has led to higher death rates from tobacco-related causes, and a reality where 80% of Black smokers use menthol cigarettes, which are easier to smoke and harder to quit.
Today, discrimination and racism continue to create a source of stress that can increase nicotine use. Discrimination and harm from the health care system can also create barriers to quitting, health care access, and mental health support. In a policy landscape where federal funding for tobacco cessation and racial justice initiatives have been significantly reduced, the need for support, science-backed tools, and policy solutions is greater than ever.
Why tobacco is a racial justice issue
