The Problem
Black Americans, referring to Africans, Blacks, Caribbeans in Disapora (ABCD), are impacted by incarceration and faces some of the highest smoking rates in the country. Those returning from prison are four times more likely to smoke than those who haven’t been incarcerated — and Black men with a history of incarceration are nearly twice as likely to smoke as their peers. A major driver of this disparity is menthol-flavored cigarettes, which have been aggressively marketed to Black communities and are harder to quit due to their cooling effect and increased nicotine dependence.
Exploring Solutions
Life After Next was chosen by TRDRP, from dozens of nonprofits, to work alongside PIRE to create a tobacco project directly aimed at formerly incarcerated Black men. As we explore the relationship between Black men and tobacco, analyzing it from a cultural, scientific and political aspect.
Together We Will:
• Build a Community Engagement Core with Community Advisory Board (CAB) and local holistic
healthcare providers and consultants
• Learn from participants about the usage of tobacco, menthol "branding", and reentry challenges
that keeps them returning to bad habbits
• Design and test a quit-smoking program led by ABCD for ABCD
• Share what works to expand support across California and beyond
This is a step toward healing, equity, and liberation from nicotine.
SOLUTION!
Over the next 18 months we will offer resources to quit smoking. Our healthcare providers will aid in cognitive and holistic approaches to address the root of addictive through our signature Art Restorative Therapeutic Teachings (ARTT). Included in our ARTT workshops: Life [After Next] Plan (journaling their journey to arrive at their vision board destination. How to qualify and purchase a frist time buyer home. Turn criminal soft skills into new Life Earnings Tools (LET). We will create a Co-Opt Network (C-O.N) to empower the minds of the youth, "How to use your worst decision, to manifest your best Life After [Next], Come Back!
