Community Champions: Tackling Menthol Together
- Colorado Black Health Collaborative
- Jun 8
- 2 min read
As communities across Colorado prepare to celebrate Juneteenth, we are reminded that freedom is an ongoing journey — including the fight for health equity and community wellness.
For decades, tobacco companies aggressively targeted Black communities with menthol products through culturally tailored advertising, sponsorships, discounts, and marketing campaigns designed to normalize smoking. The result has been generations of preventable harm impacting Black health nationwide.
But across Colorado, community champions are reclaiming the narrative.
From barbershops and churches to youth advocates and grassroots organizations, people are creating spaces rooted in truth, healing, education, and empowerment. This Juneteenth season, the Colorado Black Health Collaborative is uplifting the people and solutions helping protect future generations.
Trusted Spaces Creating Change
Barbershops, salons, and churches have long served as trusted spaces within Black communities. Today, many are helping spark conversations about menthol products, vaping, addiction, stress, and community wellness.
Barbers and stylists are sharing resources and having honest conversations with youth and adults about tobacco industry targeting. Churches and faith leaders are hosting wellness events, youth discussions, and health-focused programming that connects healing with community care.
These conversations matter because they happen in spaces built on trust.
Youth Voices Leading the Movement
Young people across Colorado are becoming powerful advocates for prevention and education.
Youth ambassadors and student leaders are using art, social media, storytelling, and peer outreach to educate others about nicotine addiction and tobacco industry manipulation. Many are reframing prevention work as part of a larger movement for empowerment, truth, and liberation.
Their message is simple:Black culture should never be exploited for profit.
What’s Working in Colorado
Several approaches are helping build momentum across the state:
Community storytelling and lived experiences
Youth-led education and peer outreach
Trusted messengers like barbers, pastors, and educators
Culturally responsive wellness programming
Connecting health equity to empowerment and liberation
Organizations including Colorado Black Health Collaborative, Truth Initiative, and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids continue supporting education, advocacy, and community-driven prevention efforts throughout Colorado.
How to Get Involved This Summer
Community members can support this work by:
Attending local Juneteenth events and wellness activities
Volunteering with youth outreach programs
Supporting smoke-free and vape-free community spaces
Sharing educational resources with friends and family
Mentoring youth and creating safe spaces for conversation
Every conversation and connection helps build healthier communities.
Looking Ahead
As the next program year begins in July 2026, the Colorado Black Health Collaborative looks forward to expanding youth leadership, strengthening community partnerships, and continuing culturally responsive prevention efforts across the state.
This work is about more than tobacco prevention — it is about protecting future generations, honoring Black resilience, and building healthier communities rooted in truth, healing, and freedom.
Together, we can continue moving the work forward.
info@cololoradoblackhealth.org | Phone: 720.579.2126
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