With each passing No Menthol Sunday (NMS), our communities are a step closer to ridding their neighborhoods of tobacco to embrace a smoke-free future. As federal support for tobacco harm reduction dwindles, it is apparent that we have to rely on our own networks to stand up against the tobacco industry. As the 2026 NMS theme “We Are The Movement” states, we are all natural leaders with the knowledge and passion to drive change and improve Black health outcomes for all. We cannot let outside forces derail us from making gains, small or not, through grassroots efforts.
Results collected from a survey conducted by Rockman et al Cooperative showed us that No Menthol Sunday participants have high levels of awareness regarding the harms of menthol and flavored tobacco products and are confident in their communities’ ability to support tobacco prevention efforts. This shows how important it is to advance health equity, and participants like you understand what it will take to make strides now and for future No Menthol Sundays.
Here are some examples of ‘The Movement’ taking shape nationwide:
The Center’s National Kickoff
The Center for Black Health & Equity (The Center) launched the No Menthol Sunday 2026 campaign to hundreds of partners, community leaders, and concerned but curious minds during a virtual kickoff on March 18. We unveiled the new theme, t-shirt campaign, church fan design, and digital assets to help people initiate conversations about tobacco harms. The audience also had a chance to hear about past successful NMS events through leading organizations such as No Menthol Buffalo and Colorado Black Health Collaborative. The kickoff serves as a moment to level set with current and new participants while inspiring them to become advocates for change.
ACHA Health Summit
The American College Health Association HBCU Coalition held a two-day Health Summit at Howard University from March 26–27 in Washington, D.C. HBCU representatives filled the rooms to address several health-related problems currently trending on college campuses. This includes mental health, food insecurity, cannabis, sexual health and cancer. In addition, our Community Initiative Manager, Greg Bolden, shared information about No Menthol Sunday and how flavored tobacco products are impacting students as well.
Poetry Slams
In partnership with the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council (AATCLC), Project Ricochet Inc Coalition held a poetry slam in Lexington, Kentucky on April 4 to promote tobacco cessation. Several poets took turns performing for this contest and cash prizes were awarded to the top three winners in the adult and youth categories. About 70 people attended this “edutainment” event, which was mimicked in other states as well. Poetry slams were held at South Carolina State University and Howard University in Washington, D.C. that same week.
Coloring Book Session
Jump At The Sun Consultants, LLC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, held a public workshop and coloring book session on April 19. Our very own Greg Bolden represented The Center as the No Menthol Sunday expert speaker. At a community center filled with over 100 people, other speakers took the stage as well, including Carol McGruder with AATCLC. Attendees, young and older, colored NMS-themed coloring books created by Jump At The Sun Consultants, LLC. Poetry was also observed during the event before joining smaller, breakout sessions to discuss tobacco-related mental health adjustments, cessation, and the general campaign.
Community Event
Making It Count Community Development Corporation in Detroit, Michigan, spearheaded a large community event on May 16 for NMS and Take Down Tobacco Day. This gathering had something for everyone to do: health screenings, a free dance class, sound therapy, and help to expunge minor infractions from your records with assistance from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. While some came for these activities, everyone left with more information about tobacco industry harms and marketing tactics.
The No Menthol Sunday observance day may be over, but the movement doesn’t end here. The Center encourages you all to continue to use NMS resources all year round – inspiring loved ones to quit using tobacco and encourage your community to adopt a life free of tobacco. Excited to see what you will all have in store for No Menthol Sunday 2027!
