Virtual Open Mic Promotes Clean Air for Everyone

The issue of clean air took center stage at a NYCHA virtual open mic event for youth on November 19.  

Hosted by NYCHA’s smoke-free liaisons, the interactive event promoted the importance of living in a smoke-free environment and allowed participants to share their vision of clean air for all. The open mic was held in sync with the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout campaign, which encourages smokers to take an important step toward a healthier life and reducing the risk of cancer.  

“Clean air means safety, air without chemicals or any disruptions,” NYCHA smoke-free liaison Sheila Woods said in kicking off the first virtual smoke-free open mic. 

Interactive performances included poetry readings, presentations, and spoken word. Other features included a trivia game and raffle prizes. Among the youth speakers who touched on the benefits of a clean environment for the community were members of Green City Force, a NYCHA workforce development partner that trains young adults for green jobs.  

Smoke-free liaison Breanna Garcia discussed the Smoke-Free NYCHA initiative, which aims to create healthier homes for residents and healthier working environments for employees by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke. Smoking remains the nation’s leading cause of preventable death. Children and seniors, who make up nearly half of all NYCHA residents, are often the ones who are most impacted by secondhand smoke, Ms. Garcia explained.  

“Your apartment can’t be smoke-free if your building isn’t,” said Ms. Garcia, noting how smoke travels.  

Per a HUD mandate, smoking is prohibited everywhere inside NYCHA buildings and outside within 25 feet of any NYCHA building.  

Jean Woods-Powell, the principal of Information Technology High School in Long Island City, called the open mic event “very informative” and said she was proud of her students who participated in the forum.  

“I tell my students, ‘What you’ve learned, now take it back to your families, bring it back to your communities, because this is something that’s vital and we’re all affected,’” she said.