THE “SAME GAME DIFFERENT SMOKER” EVENT AT SACRAMENTO BLACK EXPO SHOWCASED THE HORRIBLE HISTORY OF THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY

Submitted by Students of Valley High School’s Health Tech Academy

The AATCLC, AMPLIFY, and Saving Our Legacy work with the youth to amplify the info on big tobacco effects and strategies of whom came together in partnership to present vital historical information at the 35th Anniversary of the Sacramento Black History Month Black Expo from Feb 24-26, 2023 at Hyatt Regency. Students of Valley High School’s Health Tech Academy joined Twlia Laster, a founder of The SOL Project, and Pleshette Robertson, CEO of Saculturalhub.com and Chief Editor of THE HUB Magazine to present an art exhibition demonstrating the ways tobacco companies have changed their ever-evolving advertisements in order to influence African Americans and other populations.

Tobacco has negatively impacted people’s lives. Whether it’s by being influenced by the media, marketing, or peer pressure, it has brought many deaths rapidly over time which has only increased deadly diseases that are brought upon by consuming tobacco like cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The tobacco industry has been targeting minorities with different flavors that attract certain communities. For instance, for the Hispanic/Latino community, there have been flavors like horchata and for children, there have been cereal flavors. By releasing those flavors to the public it is easier for many teens and kids to be curious about the flavors causing them to want to get a hold of one. Not only are the flavors attracting people but the hiphop industry is known for smoking in their music videos which is influencing many teens to be like them.

After a certain amount of time-consuming tobacco, it has made it harder for people to escape their addiction. Which is why The Sol Project is bringing awareness into the community by educating the public so we can all put an end to the tobacco industry. n

For more information on the event please contact Twlia Laster, Project Director, Saving Our Legacy, African Americans for Smoke-Free Safe Places. 888.774.7685 ext. 100 or Twlia@thesolproject.com

For more information online please visit http://www.thesolproject.com/

Health Tech Academy is a pathway offered at Valley High School which exposes students interested in healthcare to a variety of opportunities such as community events, internships, and allows them to gain their CHW certification if all requirements are passed. Founded in 2007, the name Saving Our Legacy (SOL) was derived from community advocates Julius Bankston, Roxie Mason, Jolean French and Carol McGruder who, alongside the founders, Kimberly Bankston-Lee and Twlia Laster share a collective vision for improving health among African Americans and other populations who suffer disproportionately as a result of social conditions and tobacco use in Sacramento County.

WERE YOU THERE?

WERE YOU THERE?