Richard T. Smith, President of NAACP NJ State Conference:

It’s well documented that Big Tobacco has targeted Black Americans, especially youth, with marketing for menthol cigarettes for decades, which has led to 85% of Black smokers using menthols today compared to less than 10% in the 1950s. (https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/health-equity/african-american/health-burden.html) As a result of this predatory marketing, Black Americans are disproportionately impacted by tobacco use and die at higher rates than other groups from tobacco-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease and stroke. (https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/health-equity/african-american/health-burden.html)

The NAACP NJ State Conference applauds Senators Vitale, Singer and Cunningham, sponsors of S2667/S299 for standing up to Big Tobacco and prioritizing the health and well-being of Black New Jerseyans. We urge the full Senate to do the same by taking swift action on the legislation before the Legislature breaks for summer.