The No Menthol Sunday is The Center for Black Health & Equity’s annual call to action highlighting the detrimental impact tobacco has on Black communities. This is our tenth year engaging faith leaders to educate congregants about smoking, vaping, and the role of menthol and other flavors in initiating tobacco addiction.
In December 2023, The White House announced a delay in implementing the law removing menthol from tobacco products. Despite this, we still hold them accountable for providing culturally competent resources and supporting organizations to help those struggling with tobacco addiction. Within our communities, we will remain tireless in making them tobacco-free.
In this tenth year, people of faith persist toward health justice. Together, we remain at the vanguard toward a tobacco-free world.
In Isaiah 40:31, it is written, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
A DECADE OF DETERMINATION
No Menthol Sunday is an excellent time for people who smoke to begin a new quit journey. Faith communities can commit to creating comfortable, safe spaces for those who struggle with nicotine addiction. Through genuine support and an open ear for transparent conversations, we invite tobacco users to seek the resources they need to succeed.
Use No Menthol Sunday to get to know key leaders and influencers within your state’s Black communities, and use the activities on this day of observance to build awareness about important tobacco-related community initiatives. On this anniversary observance, our goal is to see participation in all 50 states!
KEY SCRIPTURE
HEALTH JUSTICE GUIDE
SPECIAL RESOURCE - AVAILABLE MAY 9
QUICK MENTHOL FACTS
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Menthol is a minty flavor that makes it easier to start smoking and harder to quit.
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The menthol issue is a social justice issue.
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The tobacco industry pays Black leaders to say that the removal of menthol from tobacco products would criminalize African Americans, but this is a lie.
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In December 2023, the White House delayed finalizing the removal of menthol from Tobacco products. However, delaying the removal of menthol from tobacco products upholds systemic racism.