AUSTIN (KXAN) — Some civil rights leaders and health experts are taking action while the Biden Administration continues to delay the FDA’s proposed ban on menthol cigarettes.
In 2022, the FDA recommended a ban on the mint flavored tobacco products, but the White House has put that proposal on hold.
"There are still more conversations to have, and that will take significantly more time," said Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra in a statement.
Faith leaders worldwide are taking part in what is called “No Menthol Sunday,” asking parishioners to stop smoking for a day.
“We're all doing it at the same time,” said Pastor Sean Tatum. “As faith leaders, we've always talked about the importance of living a healthy life. The Scriptures tell us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.”
The call to action was started by The Center for Black Health and Equity.
“Back in 2014, we had a conference, and we invited some faith-based pastors to be a part of the conference. We asked them, ‘What could we do, really, to talk about menthol and its impact on communities?’ And their idea was for all pastors to talk at the same time in the same day about the subject,” said executive director Delmonte Jefferson.
The call for “No Menthol Sunday” is the third Sunday in May and falls on the 19th of this month.
“It's a day when we can take control, and we can do what we can do to save our lives,” said Jefferson.
“We can do things ourselves, we can go out, we can stop smoking…abstain from smoking for a day. We can get involved in local politics and local efforts to change policies, so we can take action we can take control ourselves.”
According to the FDA, nearly 85% of Black smokers use menthol cigarettes compared to 30% of white smokers.
Advocates like Jefferson argue any delay in the proposed ban is hurting the Black Community as Black men have the highest lung cancer death rate in the U.S.
“Menthol has targeted African American communities for decades,” said Jefferson. “We are outraged.”
