No Menthol Sunday: We are the movement against big tobacco

TOBACCO-FREE CNY, MAY 12, 2026 – No Menthol Sunday is a national initiative created by Center for Black Health and Health Equity to raise awareness about the harmful impact of menthol tobacco and its disproportionate effect on Black and African American communities. The initiative serves as a call to action to address targeted marketing practices and to support healthier, tobacco-free lives.

Menthol cigarettes have long been marketed as a smoother and more appealing way to use tobacco. However, menthol is more than just a flavor—it makes smoke feel less harsh, which can make it easier for people to start smoking and harder to quit. For many years, the tobacco industry has spent billions of dollars targeting Black and African American communities with menthol products. This has included incentivizing tobacco retailers to place more products in local stores, filling neighborhoods with advertising, and using popular black figures to promote smoking menthols. As a result, about 93% of Black smokers use menthol cigarettes, contributing to serious health impacts and higher rates of tobacco-related death.

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death among Black and African American communities. Although overall smoking rates may be lower compared to other races, Black individuals are more likely to die from smoking-related diseases such as stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer. For decades, the tobacco industry has continued targeting these communities, especially youth, by promoting flavored products like menthol, which make smoking easier to start and harder to quit. Today, more than 70% of Black youth who smoke use menthol cigarettes.

No Menthol Sunday highlights this targeted marketing and works with faith-based communities to raise awareness, share resources, and support healthier choices. On Sunday, May 17th, join us at Tucker Missionary Baptist Church (515 Oakwood Ave, Syracuse, NY 13205) at 10:30 AM for a special service to learn more and take part in this important conversation.

If you or someone you know is ready to quit smoking, free support and cessation resources are available.