What is it worth to you? Blacks pay the consequences of smoking in more ways than one.

THE NO. 1 THREAT TO AFRICAN AMERICANS IS NOT HIV/AIDS, murder, or drug and alcohol abuse--it's smoking. According to Pathways to Freedom: Winning the Fight Against Tobacco. a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking-related complications are responsible for

But smoking does more than jeopardize the health of African Americans. It could also cost black students a college education, the study points out.

The report reveals that blacks spend enough on cigarettes each year to purchase a new computer or make a down payment on a new car. In addition, the amount that African American smokers spend on cigarettes in one day could finance a year's college tuition for more than 2,500 students.

According to the report's co-author, Dr. Robert G, Robinson, the tuition statistic was meant to help frame the cost of smoking both literally and through an image identifiable to the black community.

"If the community does not focus on advocacy against the tobacco industry and building programs to support quitting, then it is not likely that hard-won victories will be maintained."

Through education as well as family and community involvement, Robinson hopes the guide will facilitate the cessation of smoking amongst blacks because, "The tobacco industry never sleeps, they are never out of money, and never lapse with respect to their priorities. They sincerely want African Americans to smoke."

Cost of cigarettes per year.

5 packs a week
at $7 per pack    $1,820

5 packs a week
at $5 per pack    $1,300

5 packs a week
at $3 per pack      $780

Causes of death for African Americans

Each year, more blacks die from diseases caused
by smoking than from murders, AIDS, drug
and alcohol abuse, and car crashes put together.

Smoking-Related Diseases    47,300
Murder                       8,000
Car Crashes                  5,000
Drug and Alcohol Abuse       6,000
AIDS                         8,000

Note: Table from bar graph.

What Your Cigarette Money Could Buy

You could save up enough money to pay for the following:

In One Week:

Two CDs
Manicure and pedicure
Full tank of gas for your car
Cell phone bill
Ticket to a sport event

In One Year:

A new computer
Vacation for two
Down payment on a car
Entertainment system for your home or car

In 20 Years:

Down payment on a house
Latest sports car

Note: Table from bar graph.