NAACP AOWSAC Calls to End Menthol Sales in Washington to Protect Black Lives
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NAACP - AOWSAC
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The NAACP Alaska, Oregon, Washington State Area Conference (AOWSAC) is issuing an urgent and clear call to action for Washington State: end the sale of menthol cigarettes. This call is a necessary step to protect public health and address the decades of targeted marketing that has disproportionately harmed Black communities. Black smokers bear the highest burden of menthol use, and the NAACP is standing firm to stop Big Tobacco from profiting off this addiction.
Tobacco addiction is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of over 50,000 Black Americans annually. The data is stark: ending menthol sales nationwide could prevent more than 650,000 deaths by 2060, with over 255,000 of those lives saved being in the Black community. The 2024 Surgeon General’s Report highlights that menthol is not a neutral flavor; it cools and numbs the throat, masking the smoke’s harshness and making it easier for youth to start. Tragically, half of all youth who have ever tried smoking began with menthol cigarettes.
The NAACP and community partners stand united, calling for an end to the predatory marketing of menthol products.The NAACP also confronts the false narrative, often spread by industry lobbyists, that ending menthol sales would criminalize individuals or lead to police harassment. This is a deliberate distraction. The call to end menthol sales is about retailers and policy, not criminalizing people. Possessing menthol cigarettes would not be a crime; this policy is about protecting communities from industry-driven addiction and holding retailers accountable.
If Black lives matter, Washington must act. The NAACP AOWSAC calls on Washington State lawmakers to pass legislation ending the sale of menthol cigarettes. We urge our members and supporters to join this fight. This is a decisive step to protect public health, reduce health disparities, and hold an industry accountable for the harm it has inflicted for generations.
ACTION IS CRITICAL: Make Your Voice Heard!
Your engagement is vital to passing this life-saving legislation. Here’s how you can make a difference today:
1. Contact Your Legislators NOW
Urge your representatives to pass legislation ending the sale of menthol cigarettes in Washington State. Your voice is essential!
2. Share This Message
Educate your friends, family, and network. Share this article on social media and with your contacts to mobilize more supporters against predatory menthol marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the NAACP focusing on menthol?
The NAACP is focusing on menthol because the tobacco industry has strategically targeted Black communities for generations, leading to devastating health disparities and over 50,000 Black deaths annually.
2. How does menthol make cigarettes more harmful?
Menthol cools and numbs the throat, masking the harshness of smoke. This makes it easier for youth to start smoking and makes the cigarettes more addictive and harder to quit.
3. Will this ban criminalize people who smoke menthol?
No. This is a false narrative pushed to distract from the real issue. This policy is about ending sales by retailers, not criminalizing possession by individuals.
4. What is the NAACP AOWSAC calling for?
We are calling on Washington State lawmakers to pass legislation that ends the sale of all menthol tobacco products.
5. How can I help?
Contact your state legislators and urge them to pass this life-saving ban. You can find your representative by visiting the Washington State Legislature District Finder.
