I am a black woman who feels privileged because I did not fall for Big Tobacco's targeted false advertising. It breaks my heart when I see youth and members of priority populations being victimized by such promotion, affecting their well-being.
Big Tobacco has a long history of profiling certain communities with menthol products; 25 percent of all people who smoke use menthol. Broken down further, 88 percent of African Americans who smoke use menthol, 71 percent of people who identify as LGBTQ who smoke use menthol, and 44 percent of people who live below the poverty line who smoke use menthol, according to the American Lung Association.
It is important that as we address health issues in our community we also address the health disparities among African Americans, the LGBTQ community, and people living below the poverty line.
A proposed ordinance in Duluth to restrict the sales of menthol and other flavored tobacco products to adults-only tobacco stores could directly address these health disparities.
As community members, we are responsible for making sure youth and other priority populations are protected. This is an issue in Duluth as it is across the U.S. We must stop this unjust profiling by
ADVERTISEMENT
Big Tobacco is harming our community!
It is time for Duluth to pass an ordinance to restrict the sale of menthol and other flavored tobacco products to adults-only tobacco stores. Please join me in supporting this ordinance so we can impact our public health today and for future generations.
Yodit Gidey
Duluth
