THE AFRICAN AMERICAN TOBACCO CONTROL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
is our country’s leading public health education and advocacy organization taking on Big Tobacco to save Black lives
We have grown our coalition of national and local organizations, traveled across the country to educate communities and build grassroots infrastructure, gotten major pieces of legislation ending the sale of menthol-flavored tobacco products passed in cities, counties, and states across the country, and sued the FDA to act on removing menthol flavored tobacco products from the market nationally.
Our work is making a difference in the lives of millions of African Americans but we are just getting started. We won’t give up our fight until there are no more African Americans who lose their life because of tobacco.
OUR MISSION
Formed in 2008, the mission of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council (AATCLC) is to inform and influence the direction of tobacco control as it affects the lives of African American and African Immigrant communities. The AATCLC works at the intersection of social injustice and public health policy. Working with health jurisdictions, elected officials, community-based organizations, tobacco researchers, activists, faith-based communities, and the media, the AATCLC plays a key role in elevating the once obscure issue of regulating the sale of menthol and flavored tobacco products to one of national concern and action.
OUR HISTORY
From a group of unfunded yet determined African American tobacco control activists, the AATCLC made a historical impact, changing the trajectory of tobacco control in the US.
The AATCLC worked tirelessly, advocating across The U.S., engaging communities, and igniting a growing number of members from the Black Community. They provided technical assistance to health departments, foundations, coalitions, and municipalities working to pass policies prohibiting the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored tobacco products.
In 2013, The AATCLC partnered with The City of Chicago to pass the first-ever legislation that restricted the sale of menthol and flavored tobacco within a 500ft radius of schools. Since Chicago’s archival victory, tobacco control and regulation of menthol cigarettes has progressed.
As of this day, two states; Massachusetts and California, and over 130 local jurisdictions have banned the sale of menthol cigarettes, and numerous cities restricted the sale of flavored tobacco products. The AATCLC played an integral role in these pivotal advances.
OUR SUCCESS
In April 2021, the FDA announced its intention to propose a ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored little cigars - a long overdue step towards ending decades of racialized tobacco industry predation on African Americans! Each year 45,000 African Americans lose their lives to tobacco induced diseases due in large part to mentholated tobacco products.
The lawsuit was filed on June 17, 2020, and asserted that, contrary to the duties imposed by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (“Tobacco Control Act”), the FDA failed to act on their own research studies that decisively concluded that taking mentholated cigarettes off the market would benefit public health. The FDA decision was in response to the AATCLC lawsuit filed with co-plaintiffs, Action on Smoking and Health, the American Medical Association, and the National Medical Association, which included a request for the court to compel the FDA to respond to a Citizens Petition that had been submitted in 2013.
While the FDA’s proposed ban on menthol cigarettes is real progress, it is merely a step in dismantling the historic and systemic predation of decades of tobacco industry targeting. It is equally merely a step in addressing the malignant neglect of the public health systems that are mandated to protect all citizens, including African Americans. There is still much work to be done to end the blight of tobacco use and protect the health of African Americans. The AATCLC will continue to fight for justice and health equity in our communities.
KEY FACTS
1
Menthol reduces irritation with a numbing effect— allowing for more and deeper inhalation of smoke, enabling stronger penetration of cell walls than non-menthol cigarettes.
2
Mentholated cigarette smoking inhibits nicotine metabolism. Menthol nicotine pouches and chewing tobacco increases Salivary Flow allowing greater drug absorption.
3
Inhaling more smoke means greater nicotine intake, making menthol and other flavored tobacco products more addictive.
4
Melanin is the substance that gives color to our skin; nicotine is stored in tissues that contain melanin. Compared to those with lighter skin, those with darker skin may have higher nicotine dependence and lower quit rates.
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OUR LEADERSHIP
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GENERAL MEDIA TOOLKIT
This AATCLC's General Media Toolkit is a resource used to inform, assist, and equip all who are interested in our Mission to participate in advocacy regarding the genocidal targeting of Minorities by Big Tobacco corporations.
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This PDF toolkit includes helpful information, scientific facts, useful citations, and social media materials that support the AATCLC in Saving Black Lives.
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Review and download the AATCLC General Media Toolkit PDF packet by clicking the linked button below.
BLACK YOUTH VAPING MEDIA TOOLKIT
This AATCLC Black Youth Vaping Media Toolkit is a Resource used to inform, assist, and equip all who are interested in our Mission to participate in advocacy for our organization.
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This toolkit, much like the General Media Toolkit above, includes factual information, useful citations, messaging points, and social media materials that support the AATCLC in Saving Black Lives.
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This particular Toolkit focuses on dangerous Flavored Nicotine Vapes plaguing young populations as a result of targeting by Big Tobacco.
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Review and download the AATCLC Black Youth Vaping Media Toolkit PDF by clicking the linked button below.