Title
Recognizing May 21, 2023 as No Menthol Sunday in the City of Saint Paul.
Body
Whereas No Menthol Sunday is a National Day of Observance led by The Center for Black Health and Equity and supported locally by the Minnesota Menthol Coalition to spark conversation in faith communities about the impact of mentholated tobacco products in Black communities; and
Whereas the tobacco industry has intentionally marketed mentholated tobacco products to Black Americans through marketing strategies such as supporting and providing sponsorship funding for events, supporting some Black leaders with financial support, discounting menthol products in Black neighborhoods, and abundant advertising in stores frequented by Black Americans; and
Whereas it has been shown that menthol in cigarettes increases the likelihood of starting smoking, increases dependence, and decreases the likelihood of quitting, especially among Black smokers; and
Whereas today 85% of all Black smokers smoke menthol cigarettes compared to just 29% of White smokers, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that tobacco use is a major contributor to three leading causes of death in Black communities - heart disease, cancer, and stroke; and
Whereas No Menthol Sunday is an opportunity to raise awareness the detrimental impact tobacco has on Black communities and lead the way toward a tobacco-free world; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the City of Saint Paul recognizes May 21, 2023, as No Menthol Sunday