How the tobacco industry targeted Black smokers with ads for menthol cigarettes

Data shows over 45,000 Black Americans die every year due to causes linked to tobacco use.

TACOMA, Wash. — National studies show a vast majority of Black smokers are menthol smokers. How exactly, the minty cigarettes became the choice of thousands of Black smokers nationwide has been an intentional effort made by the tobacco industry.

At Main Street Gas & Grocery in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood, you’ll find the hot commodity isn’t the fried chicken that emits a delicious aroma as soon as you walk in the door but something cooler.

Store clerk Sonu Singh doles out boxes of menthol cigarettes. Each box is packaged

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