Jackson Free Press

Why do more than half of poor, young blacks smoke cigarettes, mainly Newport menthol cigarettes, and flavored cigarillos like Black and Mild, something I never heard of until I had to stock shelves at Wal-Mart over a decade ago?

Is it cultural, or are these people beng targeted? Judge for yourself:

For a mix of cultural reasons as well as targeted marketing, menthol cigarettes are particularly favored by blacks: 75 percent of blacks nationwide smoke them, compared with less than 30 percent of whites.

In the 1960s, Kools dominated the market. But Newports, with a lower menthol level that many say feels smoother, and backed by marketing including the green "Newport Pleasure!" posters in nearly every deli and gas station [in Baltimore], have taken a strong lead in many cities.

"All my friends smoke, and they all smoke Newports," said Collin Mazick, 24, a resident of northeast Baltimore who is studying to become a geriatric nursing assistant.

In recent years, the promotion budgets of major cigarette companies have been disproportionately devoted to menthols, said Gregory N. Connolly, director of tobacco control research at the Harvard School of Public Health. "It appears the industry is targeting the most vulnerable groups through advertising and manipulation of menthol levels," Mr. Connolly said.

In an e-mailed response to questions, the Lorillard Tobacco Company, maker of Newports, said its marketing was directed at "all adult smokers," although 51 percent of Newport buyers are blacks.