Local group launches campaign to prevent tobacco companies from targeting marginalized communities
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – A local group is on a mission to stop tobacco companies from targeting marginalized communities and Buffalo’s youth.
The No Menthol Buffalo Coalition launched a new campaign this month called “No More Delays.”
Stan Martin, a member of the No Menthol Buffalo Coalition, is spearheading the campaign, which was created to prevent the next generation of smokers in diverse neighborhoods.
“The tobacco industry has appropriated Black culture, Hispanic culture for years, so one of the things that we’re doing to counter that, is to really market and promote our youth in a positive light,” Martin said.
There’s signage throughout Buffalo’s West and East Side communities encouraging people to contact local leaders to “end the sale of menthol tobacco.”
“What we’re really trying to do is educate the community and build their awareness on how the tobacco industry has targeted marginalized communities, particularly the youth, to really prevent them from ever starting smoking,” Martin said.
Martin said the group is not against smoking. They’re against the tobacco industry targeting marginalized communities.
“We know that once again, tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of death, so if we can stop something, before it started, who can’t rally around saving the lives of children?” Martin said. “We hope we’re not only creating a change in terms of individuals, but also the environment.”
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Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work.
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