They are long, slim and available in a variety of flavors, including apple, cream and wine. Originally manufactured by John Middleton, Inc., but recently acquired by the Altria Group, Inc., Black and Milds cigars may be a silent epidemic in the African American community. Recent evidence suggests that consumption of this addictive product is on the rise, and more specifically there is an increased usage in urban Black communities.

Black and Milds are long, slim and shaped like cigarettes, but are wrapped in a tobacco leaf rather than paper. Because of this distinction, they can be sold individually and not adhere to the standard labeling practices that are required with cigarettes. Some may suggest that because the products are not individually labeled with the health hazard warnings, that the cigars are perceived by consumers as safer and less addictive than traditional cigarettes.

The American Legacy Foundation recently funded an initiative through John Hopkins University that addresses the increased usage of Black and Milds in the urban areas of Baltimore. According to the Baltimore Health Department, nearly a quarter of 18-24-year-old African Americans smoke Black and Milds. The wide availability, low price and frequent use of little cigars, specifically the Black and Milds brand, are a cause for concern, as little cigars have the same health hazards as cigarettes, including, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and other chronic respiratory diseases. While the tobacco industry continues to spend more than $36 million a day marketing tobacco products- the American Legacy Foundation is dedicated to preventing teens and others from smoking any form of tobacco despite the strong efforts of the tobacco companies.