One Year: 1990 – Mandrake the Magician | Slow Burn

Intro

In this episode of the “Slow Burn” podcast titled “One Year: 1990 – Mandrake the Magician,” the story of Henry Brown, an anti-smoking vigilante, unfolds. Henry’s journey begins when he becomes aware of the targeted advertising of cigarettes towards the black community in Chicago. This realization prompts him to take action and fight against the tobacco industry under the secret identity of Mandrake the Magician. The episode explores Henry’s activism, the impact of his actions, and the challenges he faced along the way.

Main Takeaways

Henry Brown’s Awakening and Activism

• Gwen Jones, a school teacher from Chicago, meets Henry Brown on a skiing trip and is drawn to his charisma and intelligence.
• Henry becomes aware of the targeted advertising of cigarettes towards the black community in Chicago.
• Henry takes action against cigarette smoking and becomes an anti-smoking vigilante under the secret identity of Mandrake the Magician.
• Henry’s activism leads to a national conversation and draws criticism from the billboard industry and tobacco companies.

The Impact of Targeted Marketing on Black Communities

• Tobacco companies invest heavily in marketing, targeting young consumers, especially in black communities.
• Menthol cigarette advertising specifically targets black communities, claiming menthols are healthier and offering a cool sensation.
• The targeted marketing leads to a significant increase in menthol sales in black communities.
• Black Americans smoke at higher rates than white Americans and suffer disproportionately from lung cancer.

Mandrake the Magician’s Actions and Legacy

• Henry’s activism involves whitewashing billboards in Chicago to draw attention to the issue of harmful advertising affecting children.
• Mandrake’s actions spark a national conversation and lead to severe restrictions on tobacco advertising, including a total ban on billboards.
• Henry’s activism is celebrated, and he becomes a celebrity, even appearing on the Oprah Winfrey show.
• Despite facing challenges and the spotlight shifting to other activists, Henry remains dedicated to helping his community.

Summary

Henry Brown’s Awakening and Activism

Gwen Jones, a school teacher from Chicago, meets Henry Brown on a skiing trip, and they quickly develop a relationship based on his charisma and intelligence. Henry, a court reporter and single father, becomes aware of the targeted advertising of cigarettes towards the black community in Chicago while driving through the city’s Southside. This realization sparks a deep passion in Henry, leading him to become an anti-smoking vigilante fighting against the tobacco industry under the secret identity of Mandrake the Magician. Henry’s activism gains attention and sparks a national conversation, but also draws criticism from the billboard industry and tobacco companies.

The Impact of Targeted Marketing on Black Communities

Tobacco companies heavily invest in marketing, particularly targeting young consumers in black communities. Menthol cigarette advertising specifically targets black communities, claiming menthols are healthier and offering a cool sensation. This targeted marketing leads to a significant increase in menthol sales in black communities. Despite the 1964 Surgeon General’s warning on smoking, black Americans smoke at higher rates than white Americans and suffer disproportionately from lung cancer. These statistics highlight the detrimental impact of targeted marketing on black communities’ health.

Mandrake the Magician’s Actions and Legacy

Henry’s activism involves taking direct action by whitewashing billboards in Chicago to draw attention to the issue of harmful advertising affecting children. His actions lead to severe restrictions on tobacco advertising, including a total ban on billboards. Henry, known as Mandrake the Magician, becomes a celebrity and even appears on the Oprah Winfrey show. However, the spotlight shifts to other activists like Father Michael Flager, causing frustration for Henry. Despite this, Henry remains dedicated to helping his community and partners with Reverend Jesse Brown to build a national anti-tobacco network.

Conclusion

Henry Brown’s journey as Mandrake the Magician showcases the power of individual activism in fighting against targeted marketing and advocating for the health of black communities. His actions lead to significant changes in tobacco advertising regulations, highlighting the importance of grassroots activism. Despite facing challenges and the shifting spotlight, Henry’s dedication to his community remains unwavering. His legacy serves as a reminder of the impact one person can make in creating positive change.