SOL Project Participates in the National Council of Negro Women California State Coalition Days at the Capitol (March 11–12)
by Twlia Laster, Project Director @ The SOL Project
On March 11–12, the Saving Our Legacy (SOL) Project proudly joined the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) California State Coalition for its annual Coalition Days at the State Capitol. This two-day event brought together community leaders, advocates, and partner organizations from across California to uplift issues impacting African American communities and to engage in meaningful civic education with state decision makers.
SOL Project’s participation reflected its continued commitment to advancing health equity, preventing commercial tobacco use, and building community power through education and collaboration. Throughout the event, SOL staff and partners connected with legislators and their offices to share research-based information on emerging tobacco products, targeted marketing practices, and the importance of protecting youth and vulnerable populations from industry influence.
A key focus of SOL’s engagement was highlighting how local policy efforts, including tobacco retail licensing and smoke-free environments, are critical pathways toward improving community health outcomes. Conversations emphasized the importance of equitable policy approaches that address long-standing disparities in tobacco-related disease, particularly in African American communities that have been disproportionately targeted by menthol and flavored tobacco marketing.
In alignment with NCNW’s mission, SOL’s presence at the Capitol centered on education rather than advocacy, ensuring that all interactions provided clear, factual, and community-informed insights. These discussions aimed to support decision makers in understanding how comprehensive, evidence-based policies can create healthier environments for all Californians.
Beyond legislative meetings, Coalition Days also served as an opportunity to strengthen partnerships, build new relationships, and amplify the voices of communities most impacted by health inequities. SOL Project continues to value spaces like these that bring together diverse leaders committed to social justice, civic engagement, and collective action.
As the movement toward the tobacco endgame continues, SOL remains dedicated to working alongside partners like NCNW to ensure that community voices are heard, respected, and reflected in policies that protect and uplift future generations
Click here to learn more about NCNW.
