African American People

Know the Facts

Smoking cigarettes puts you at risk for heart disease, cancer, and stroke, which are among the leading causes of death for African American adults in the United States.

  • About 1 in 8 (11.7%) non-Hispanic Black adults in the U.S. smokes cigarettes.*

Several factors connect commercial tobacco with higher levels of disease, disability, and death in different population groups. Learn more about health disparities related to commercial tobacco use that affect African American people.

Learn what percent of people currently smokes cigarettes, both in the United States overall and among specific population groups.

Real Stories: African American People Featured in Tips®

Learn the real stories of African American adults who are suffering from smoking-related diseases and disabilities, and the family members who take care of them.

Angie P.

Meet Angie P. Angie, age 62, lives in Ohio and began smoking menthol cigarettes at age 15. She smoked because she thought it would help her to cope with the fear that people around her would not accept that she is gay.

Ethan B.

Meet Ethan B. Ethan, age 59, lives in California and started smoking menthol cigarettes regularly at age 18. He grew up seeing ads that made him think smoking cigarettes was “cool.” He suffered two strokes as a result of smoking.

Ethan B.

Ethan B. grew up seeing ads that made him think smoking cigarettes was “cool.” He suffered two strokes as a result of smoking. The strokes damaged his memory, and he sometimes forgets how to use everyday things.

“I smoked because I wanted to look cool and be cool. But there’s nothing cool about smoking and having a stroke.”

Today I start my quit journey. Free resources provided by smokefree.gov

Learn more about all of the Tips® participants in our Real Stories section.

Free Quitting Resources
Free Quitting Resources
Free Quitting Resources
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Quit Smoking Medicines

There are 7 quit-smoking medicines approved by the FDA. Explore ways to get free or reduced cost quit-smoking medicines from your health insurance, health plan, or other sources.

Real Stories: African Americans Featured in Tips®

Learn the real stories of African Americans who are suffering from smoking-related diseases and disabilities, and the family members who take care of them.

Geri M
Geri M., age 58, smoked menthol cigarettes and was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at age 44. She would get easily winded, and at age 54, she had to quit working as a mail carrier because it was too taxing on her health.
“If I can help even one person to quit, then I’ve turned my curse into a blessing.”

Learn more about all Tips® participants in our Real Stories section.

Today I start my quit journey. Free resources provided by smokefree.gov

* Tobacco Product Use Among Adults – United States, 2021. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2023.