“We don’t smoke that s_ _ _. We just sell it. We reserve the right to smoke for the young, the poor, the black and stupid”
– R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Executive
For decades, the tobacco industry has targeted Black Americans with marketing for menthol cigarettes and other tobacco products like flavored cigars. This has led to increases in smoking and addiction among members of Black communities.
Project BAT works to raise awareness of this predatory marketing of menthol cigarettes to improve health and save lives through education and a media campaign.
ADDRESSING TOBACCO-RETAILER DENSITY
Tobacco retailers across the United States are more concentrated in areas with a higher proportion of Black residents, indicating that our communities are being targeted by big tobacco with intense advertising and promotions.
There are currently 140 tobacco retailers in Hinds County.
HOW DOES TOBACCO-RETAILER DENSITY IMPACT BLACK COMMUNITIES?
According to CounterTobacco.org, having a high density of tobacco retailers in a community:
- Increases exposure in tobacco marketing, smoking rates, and brand recognition, especially among youth
- Decreases the success of quit attempts
- Encourages impulse purchases and spurs tobacco cravings
Mini documentary about tobacco-retailer density in Jackson, MS, and its effects.
Resources
Download our one-pager that explains how tobacco-retailer density impacts the health of your community.
Use our mapping tool to see how many tobacco retailers are located near your home, church, and schools.
SPREADING THE WORD THROUGH PRINT AND ONLINE MEDIA CAMPAIGNS
Project BAT is raising awareness about smoking and ways that Black people in Jackson can save and protect themselves by removing smoking from their lives. Below are examples of ads that are being featured on billboards and in social media. We’re also advertising on local radio.