“What Would They Say?” video wins second place in international award for tobacco control advocacy

American Heart Association's spoken word project honored by The Anthem Awards in global competition

DALLAS, Nov. 19, 2024 -"What Would They Say?" - the powerful spoken word poem produced on video by the American Heart Association, which is celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service as the world's leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health, has taken second place in the 4th Annual Anthem Awards winning the Silver Award in the Education, Art & Culture Campaign - Non-Profit Community Engagement category. This international recognition celebrates the Association's impactful work and historic commitment to tobacco control advocacy and its efforts to speak directly to Black communities and others who are targeted by the tobacco industry.

"This award is a powerful acknowledgment of the importance of our work to prevent tobacco use and nicotine addiction and protect the health of communities everywhere by eliminating flavored tobacco products," said Keith Churchwell, M.D., FAHA, American Heart Association 2024-2025 volunteer president, associate clinical professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, and adjunct associate professor of medicine at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee. "We are thrilled to see 'What Would They Say?' resonate so deeply, and we're grateful to our community of advocates for their continued support in amplifying our mission."

This recognition reinforces the American Heart Association's ongoing commitment to raising awareness and driving policy changes to protect public health.

"This video shines a light on the decades of harm that menthol-flavored tobacco has caused in Black communities," said Ryon Everidge, Los Angeles spoken word artist and American Heart Association volunteer advocate who wrote and performed the winning piece. "For years, the tobacco industry has pushed addictive menthol products, leading to countless early deaths. This video is a call to stop this cycle, to remove menthol from the market and to protect lives. Ending menthol sales is one way we can start to repair the damage and prevent future generations from suffering the same fate."

Presented by the Webby Awards, the Annual Anthem Awards honor organizations and individuals driving positive social change worldwide. With support from renowned organizations such as the NAACP, Feeding America, GLAAD and others, the Anthem Awards shine a spotlight on projects and people who inspire progress and action for a better world.

This year's competition saw a record-breaking 2,300+ entries from 34 countries, making the recognition of "What Would They Say?" a remarkable achievement in an intensely competitive field.

"The Winners of this year's Anthem Awards are truly inspiring, and I am honored to help elevate their impact," said Anthem Awards general manager, Patricia McLoughlin. "At this moment, there is a lot of uncertainty in our world, but the tireless and extraordinary efforts of the Anthem Awards community provide hope that a better tomorrow is possible. Thank you to everyone doing this work and making an impact."

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public's health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Terra Hall: 212-380-3919; [email protected]

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org