The National Association of African Americans for Positive Imagery (NAAAPI, pronounced ‘nappy”) was formed in 1991, to help end the excessive marketing of alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful products to communities of color.

The goal of NAAAPI is to mobilize the African American communities around the nation to support positive and healthy media and advertising images. The mission is to mobilize communities to live a healthy lifestyle, promote positive imagery among individuals and communities, and to foster environments free of health disparities.

Impetus for the formation of NAAAPI was to tackle the issue of promoting alcohol in African American communities. A monumental victory by the African American community was the historic defeat of Uptown Cigarettes in 1990. This was the first cigarette brand specifically designed for African American smokers. NAAAPI victories include removing two products that were attracting the African American youth market: PowerMaster Malt Liquor in 1993, and X cigarettes in 1995. It was the mobilization of communities to take action that kept Uptown, PowerMaster, and X out of the African American neighborhoods.

In recent years, NAAAPI has mobilized against the introduction of the Marlboro Milds, a menthol brand, and against underage drinking in African American communities. Currently NAAAPI is spearheading a new campaign to encourage parents and other adults to avoid exposing children to the dangers of secondhand tobacco smoke.

The work of NAAAPI continues. Join Us.

Meet Our Board Members and Staff