In the name of protecting youth, legislators have made it illegal for companies to produce flavored cigarettes, EXCEPT for menthol.  Tobacco companies in response heavily marketed menthol to African American youth helping to create an inequitable disparity between how African American youth are being treated by legislators and large corporations. 93% of smokers that are African American started by smoking menthol cigarettes. Tobacco related illness kill more African Americans than murder, suicide, HIV, and car accidents combined.  Legislators have been made aware of this disparity and have had numerous opportunities to help protect African American youth as they have with other communities.  In years past, they are listening to and/or simply avoiding confronting the tobacco companies. It is time we speak bolder and louder. The FDA has made assertions that it will work to ban menthol. This is not a victory yet. We must fight to the finish. Henrico residents, let's let the world know this is unacceptable. Black Lives and Black Lungs Matter. You can read more facts at https://tinyurl.com/mentholfactsheet or watch a very short video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eeg5BNx--uQ. In the meantime, SIGN THE PETITION AND FORWARD THIS GREAT INITIATIVE. We can ensure the FDA follows through and have our local, state, and federal representatives make certain the ban is being respected and reinforced.