The Chicago Department of Public Health, in partnership with the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council (AATCLC), is hosting a series of impactful events aimed at raising awareness about the harmful effects of menthol cigarettes. These events are designed to engage the community through creative expression while educating the public, especially teens, about the dangers of menthol cigarette use. A poetry slam for adults 18 and up will take place on August 22, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Kroc Center and feature cash prizes for the top three winners. Leading up to the poetry slam, youth poetry writing workshops will provide a platform for teens 12 – 17 to be heard. They take place on August 9 and 16, 2025, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Phalanx Family Services. More than 18.9 million people currently smoke menthol cigarettes, and menthol cigarettes have been found to increase both the likelihood of becoming addicted and the degree of addiction.