No Menthol Sunday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

With great fanfare, the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network (WAATPN) annually oversees Milwaukee’s No Menthol Sunday activities. Used by 90% of Black smokers in Wisconsin and 85% nationally, menthol is a major contributor to the three leading causes of death for African Americans: heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Each year, WAATPN adapts the No Menthol Sunday national materials for its local campaigns, including soliciting endorsements from the City of Milwaukee’s Mayor.

Predominantly Black neighborhoods are exposed to almost twice as much outdoor menthol advertising as White neighborhoods, according to research. The tobacco industry drives menthol’s popularity with marketing that appeals to ethnic pride and the shared experiences of people of color, and other vulnerable populations. This underscores the urgency of WAATPN’s work and why it has so enthusiastically embraced No Menthol Sundays.

As part of its annual No Menthol Sunday activities, WATPN collaborates with Heal the Hood MKE, a non-profit organization committed to creating and celebrating safe, thriving neighborhoods in Milwaukee. Ajamou, its founder, has used his own experiences and spirituality to “come up with his own style of spoken word ministry.”

The audio (left) and brochure (below) are meant to be shared on social media and on radio stations.