The annual Kick Butts Day Event took place in downtown Columbus last Wednesday. Several MSMS students attended the event and Senior Gabrielle Kennedy spoke on behalf of the tobacco free movement.

The event is a part of a national day of activism against the tobacco industry organized by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Thousands of these events take place on this day throughout the country within schools and communities in an effort to educate our youth on the risks and dangers associated with tobacco use.

Kennedy played an important role in the success of the event and served as the keynote speaker.

“I got involved in tobacco control through Mississippi’s youth-led tobacco prevention program, Generation FREE. I have been a youth advisory board member for three years. I am also a National Youth Ambassador for the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids and vice chair of the MTFC coalition for Lowndes, Oktibbeha and Clay counties,” Kennedy said.

“The Mississippi Tobacco Free Coalition for Lowndes, Oktibbeha and Clay counties sponsored this event. Its purpose was to show the importance of Columbus being a smoke-free community since there is only a partial smoke-free ordinance in this city,” she added.

Kennedy viewed the event as a success. “We had a great turnout and I was so pleased to see that so many youth came and participated.”

This particular event was open to all youth in the Columbus area. The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, Columbus High School, Columbus Middle School, and the Boys & Girls Club of Columbus were all represented.

During the event, Kennedy gave a presentation and provided statistics and facts associated with the tobacco industry. All in attendance created signs that displayed their reason for promoting a smoke-free community.

Junior Taniya Bland was one of the students representing MSMS.

“I believe the event was great. It taught me a lot. When Gabby Kennedy gave her power point presentation, she made me aware of insane statistics and facts that should be changed. I truly believe that this could be the first tobacco free generation because of the amount of youth involvement in this cause,” said Bland.

“Personally, the highlight of the event was going to Main Street and holding the sign I made detailing why tobacco is horrible for the environment for everyone driving past to see. Some cars even stopped to talk to us and give their feedback. There was one woman who stopped to talk to me and KeKe and told us that she had stopped smoking ten years ago and couldn’t be happier,” Bland added.

After the conclusion of the event, Bland was inspired to get involved with the movement.

“I am not involved in any tobacco free movements but the Kick Butts Day Event inspired me to try to get involved by finding local youth organizations near my hometown,” she said.