Menthol, Marketing and the Fight for Black Health Equity

Carol McGruder, a founding member and co-chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council, examines tobacco use as a public health, racial justice and community power issue. She describes how tobacco companies have intentionally marketed menthol cigarettes and other nicotine products to African American communities while building relationships with media outlets, organizations and influential community leaders.
McGruder explains how tobacco-related disease affects entire families, not only the individual using the product. The presentation looks at smoking-related illness, lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, environmental health and the emotional and financial burden placed on families caring for someone with a tobacco-related illness. She also discusses the marketing of tobacco to women and young people, along with the growing influence of vaping, flavored products and smoking imagery in entertainment.
The presentation calls for stronger local and state action when federal protections fall short. McGruder emphasizes that passing a law is only the beginning. Communities must monitor implementation, provide culturally appropriate quitting resources, support people experiencing nicotine addiction and continue holding the tobacco industry accountable. Her message is ultimately one of community strength, persistence and organized action.