The Power of Tobacco Marketing
Cigarette Promotion by African-American Athletes
Tobacco companies sought to appeal to African-American sports fans by enlisting notable and respected athletes to promote their products, including former world heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis and baseball players Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, and Elston Howard.
“In my restaurant in New York Chesterfield is by far the largest selling cigarette”
Advertising postcard featuring boxer Joe Louis
1948
“Take My Tip”
Chesterfield advertisement featuring Jackie Robinson
The Sporting News
January 4, 1950
“N.Y. Yankee Star Elston Howard Smokes KOOL!”
Magazine advertisement featuring New York Yankees catcher and left fielder Elston Howard
1960
“‘Can’t beat ’em for flavor,’ says Hank.”
Camel magazine advertisement featuring Milwaukee Braves right fielder Hank Aaron
1962