Virtual Open Mic Returns for Smoke-Free Campaign

NYCHA’s Smoke-Free Liaisons continue inspiring others about the importance of clean air. 

In their second annual open mic event, “The Battle for Clean Air Returns,” the liaisons promoted the value of living in a smoke-free environment and called on participants to share their visions of clean air.  

More than 100 people attended the virtual open mic, an interactive event featuring poetry, readings, and spoken word, with prizes awarded to participating NYCHA residents. Held on November 18, the event coincided with the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout campaign, which encourages smokers to take an important step toward a healthier life and reducing the risk of cancer.

“Tonight we’re taking action by coming together as a community as a whole, using our voice, your voice, and your talent to educate and inspire, and to see what we can do to keep our community healthy,” said Zandra Campbell, Smoke-Free Liaison Supervisor.     

The Smoke-Free NYCHA initiative aims to create healthier homes for residents and healthier working environments for employees by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke. Smoking remains the nation’s leading cause of preventable death. Smoke-Free Liaison Lamonte Thomas noted that secondhand smoke disproportionately affects children and seniors, who make up nearly half of all NYCHA residents. 

According to a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development mandate, smoking is prohibited everywhere inside NYCHA buildings and outside within 25 feet of any NYCHA building.  

During the open mic, the liaisons called attention to the documentary film “Black Lives / Black Lungs,” which covers the impacts of menthol cigarettes on Black communities. According to the film, nearly 90 percent of all African-American smokers use menthol cigarettes, which are considered harder for people to quit. 

The NYCHA liaisons also asked participants how tobacco use has affected their lives, and two speakers shared stories of how smoking has impacted family members. One teen resident spoke of how smoke drifting into their apartment makes it difficult for her mother to breathe, while another teen described how his father has suffered health problems after smoking for many years.        

Among the event’s interactive performances, Whitman Houses resident Cindy Calderon read three of her poems to offer some inspiration for people who are trying to overcome smoking habits. Some of the poems appear in her published book “Spoken Word by Cindy: A Dream Come True.”

Smoke-Free Liaison Sheila Woods is one of those people who has proudly defeated the urge to light up. 

“Being 10-plus years now cigarette-free, it really feels amazing,” Ms. Woods said. 

To reach the Smoke-Free NYCHA team, please email smoke-free@nycha.nyc.gov or call (212) 306-8282. You may also request a “Black Lives / Black Lungs” screening at your development.

If you are seeking help with quitting smoking, visit the New York State Smokers’ Quitline to talk to a quit coach and apply for free medication to help you stay smoke-free.