In a chilly February morning, youth from AMA and Frogtown/Rondo Black Church Alliance marched to the Capitol to demand for a SMOKE FREE GENERATION.
Our youth have supported the Minnesotans for a Smoke Free Generation (MSFG)’s Youth Voices Exhibition at the State Capitol. Their voices echoed through the halls of the State Capitol as they shared personal stories, artwork, and powerful messages urging lawmakers to take action. The Exhibition highlights the stories of youth from around the state and how commercial tobacco – especially flavored products – have impacted their lives. Stories of family members lost to tobacco-related illnesses, the struggle to quit vaping, and the frustration of seeing peers targeted by flavored tobacco products painted a vivid picture of why this issue matters. The youth emphasized that flavored tobacco products are not just a public health issue but also a social justice issue, as they disproportionately harm marginalized communities.
AMA Youth also handed out their own creations – “We Win the Game” postcards to state legislatures, to showcase their choices of playing sports and not smoking. “Win the Game” slogan symbolizes their commitment to healthy lifestyles and their refusal to fall victim to the tobacco industry’s manipulative tactics.
The tobacco industry has a long history of targeting kids with fruity, candy, and minty flavors. The popularity of vaping has only exacerbated the use of these enticing flavors. The tobacco industry also targets vulnerable populations, like African Americans and Native Americans and LGBTQIA folks with flavored commercial tobacco, especially menthol cigarettes. The state of MN could end the sale of all these flavored products to protect kids and populations that have historically been targeted by the tobacco industry. Luckily, about 25% of the state is currently covered by some sort of flavor banned policy, but lack of state level policy.
The call for a smoke-free generation is clear, and these young leaders are leading the charge. Their message to lawmakers and the public is simple: it’s time to prioritize health over profits, protect our youth, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a life free from the harms of commercial tobacco. As the day concluded, the youth left the Capitol with a sense of accomplishment and hope – with their determination and the support of their communities, a smoke-free future is within reach.
