Dear Network Members, Supporters and Allies,
February is Black History Month, a time to recognize, celebrate and honor the rich history, contributions and great achievements of African Americans. Among those who we choose to honor this month are Dr. James Cameron, a civil rights leader and historian who founded America's Black Holocaust Museum in Milwaukee. The museum, located at 401 W. North Avenue, will reopen on Feb. 25, 2022, the 108th birthday of its late founder. This month, we will also be honoring the members of Wisconsin's Legislative Black Caucus through a series of videos. Be on the lookout for those! We're paying tribute to the traditions Black families created to restore and protect black health. Join us for our BHM virtual program, Honor, Restore and Protect Black Health on February 23.

In keeping with that legacy of service, we also hope that you will consider joining one of our subcommittees (Smoke-Free Housing, Menthol, Health Equity and Social Justice) or workgroups (Smoke-free Housing and COVID-19 Prevention and No Menthol Sunday), aimed at reducing inequities and improving health outcomes for residents of Milwaukee. Thank you for your continued support and dedication.

Sincerely,

Lorraine Lathen
Director, WAATPN and WTPPN and Suburban Milwaukee Tobacco Prevention
MLK DAY WEEKEND OF SERVICE



In honor of the Dr. King Holiday, we hosted a series of Day of Service events. On Friday, Jan. 14, community mobilizers and volunteers helped facilitate rapid COVID testing in public housing, going door-to-door sharing information on COVID-19 and smoking and hanging posters. On Sunday, volunteers visited with Milwaukee area retailers to share information on Tobacco 21 and the Wisconsin Wins program. On MLK Day, we hosted two events: A virtual letter writing workshop and a Health Fair, which was attended by more than 100 residents. We thank all of our volunteers and community partners for helping to honor Dr. King's memory! Click here to view our full summary report on the MLK Day Weekend of Service events.


NETWORK MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: BARBARA SMITH
Barbara Smith is an active resident of the Amani community in Milwaukee. She currently serve as Chair for Amani's Housing & Economic Development Committee, a Board member for the Dominican Center and Safe & Sound, and Co-Chair of Neighborhood Partnerships for Imagine MKE. Smith has been an active and involved member of the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network, supporting No Menthol Sunday, candidate forums, and has provided testimony during many state and local leader meetings, among other efforts.

"Being a part of the Network has been a great experience and opportunity; It allows me to network and hear first-hand the effects of smoking not only on individuals but the ripple effect (family) and bringing this to the attention of our elected officials," Smith said.

We honor thank Ms. Smith for her many contributions and dedication to the tobacco prevention movement and to her community.
HEALTH EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE SUBCOMMITTEE
PANEL DISCUSSION
We hope you were able to attend the thought provoking and candid panel discussion featuring Lisa Jones, Mikel Holt and Jeff Roman last month. If you weren't able to participate that day or would like to watch it again here's your chance! The recording is available and shareable on our website at: https://www.jumpatthesunllc.com/news/tobacco-disparities-intersectionality.

We'd like to thank our panelists and guests for making the event a great success. Please, also be sure to read Mikel Holt's Signifyin' Column in the Milwaukee Community Journal, which focused on the event.

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SUBCOMMITTEES AND WORK GROUPS
Our subcommittees are busy helping to advance health equity and reduce tobacco disparities. Click on the links below to learn about our subcommittees and work groups and join today.
TOBACCO UPDATES
State and Local

New Report on Adult Tobacco Use in Wisconsin: The new report presents data on adult tobacco use: number of cigarettes smoked; reported exposure to smoke and vapor; personal rules about tobacco use; attitudes about and reasons for tobacco use; attitudes related to the implementation of several existing and “potential” tobacco use policies. It also compares trends in tobacco use in Wisconsin to the United States.


National

Menthol Ban in Sacramento, California: Following a long debate, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors voted to ban flavored tobacco sales — including menthol. Banned are candy-flavored e-cigarettes, hookah tobacco, menthol cigarettes, and sweet cigars often used to smoke cannabis. County businesses have six months to offload their current supply of products, or possibly face fines of up to $25,000 in the future, according to the new law. The county’s move comes months before Californians vote on a statewide initiative, which could uphold a previous ban signed into law in 2020.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Black History Month Virtual Program
Honor, Restore and Protect Black Health
Wednesday Feb. 23, 2022
11:00- 12:15 PM
Virtual -- via Zoom
Click here to register.
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Topic: Truth Check- Learn how to check whether the health information you're getting is Fact or Fiction.
Background: Historically, Black families were denied access to quality care and advanced medicine, so they passed down traditional health remedies to each other. Black families are still following the tradition of sharing health information within their social circle. Now we have social media, and the origin of the information being shared is not always a trusted and caring source as it once was. But, it still circulates as fact because it's coming from people with influence over the family and community. Join us for a panel discussion on combating health misinformation and to learn more about Truth Check.
Featured Speakers:
  • LaTroya Hester, Communications Director, Center for Black Health and Equity
  • Dr. Michelle Robinson, Director of DHS Office on Equity and Inclusion
  • Dr. Diamond Hanson, DHS, Outreach Program Manager, COVID-19 Response and Recovery Team
  • Michael Campbell, Jump at the Sun Consultants, Social Media Manager
February:
  • Menthol Subcommittee
  • Monday Feb. 7, 11:00 AM - 12 PM

  • Smoke-Free Housing Subcommittee & COVID Workgroup
  • Thursday, Feb. 10, 10:00 AM- 11:00 AM

  • Social Justice and Health Equity-Subcommittee
  • Tuesday, Feb. 15, 10:00 AM- 11:15 AM
March:
  • Menthol Subcommittee
  • Monday March 7, 11:00 AM - 12 PM

  • Smoke-Free Housing Subcommittee & COVID Workgroup
  • Thursday, March 10, 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM

  • Social Justice and Health Equity-Subcommittee
  • Panel Discussion/ Date TBD

  • Mayoral Candidates Forum
  • Wednesday March 16, 2022 (6-7:30 p.m.)