The Story of African Americans and Cigars: From Fields to Freedom, Culture to Craft

When most people think of cigars, they picture leather chairs, wood-paneled lounges, and images of luxury. But behind the smoke curls is a rich, layered history—one that includes the hands, lives, and legacies of African Americans. The story of African Americans and cigars is not just about tobacco; it’s about labor, resilience, culture, and pride.

Rooted in Labor: The Early Days

The story begins in the fields of the American South, where tobacco was a major cash crop in the 18th and 19th centuries. Enslaved African Americans were essential to the cultivation and curing of tobacco—often laboring under brutal conditions. Though they worked closely with the plant, cigar smoking was not a luxury they enjoyed. In those early days, cigars were reserved for white planters and elites, symbols of status and power.

After emancipation, cigar production shifted from the fields to urban factories. African Americans found employment in cigar rolling and packaging in cities like Tampa, New York, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati. Though opportunities were limited and conditions harsh, cigar-making offered rare paths toward skilled labor and, in some cases, economic mobility.

Smoke and Sophistication: The Rise of a Cultural Marker

By the early 20th century, cigar smoking began to evolve within Black communities. It became a marker of respectability, success, and self-expression—especially in urban centers during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. Prominent figures like W.E.B. Du Bois and Paul Robeson were often photographed with cigars in hand, exuding elegance, intellect, and confidence. In Black barbershops and social clubs, the cigar wasn’t just a habit—it was a ritual, a moment of pause, a statement.

The Great Migration accelerated this cultural shift. As African Americans moved into Northern cities, they brought their traditions with them and adopted new ones, including the social culture surrounding cigars. Whether lighting up after church or while discussing politics and business in a lounge, cigars became part of the tapestry of Black urban life.

Mid-Century Decline, New Cultural Frontiers

By the mid-20th century, cigar smoking waned nationwide. Cigarettes became more affordable and heavily marketed—especially to African Americans, through targeted ads for menthols. Cigars, once a working man’s luxury and a gentleman’s pastime, faded somewhat into the background.

But the culture was far from extinguished.

Hip-Hop, Heritage, and the New Era

The 1990s and early 2000s saw a revival of cigar culture in African American communities—this time amplified through music, fashion, and entrepreneurship. In hip-hop, cigars became symbols of power and prestige. Icons like Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Nas brought cigars back into the spotlight, using them as visual shorthand for arrival, wealth, and identity.

The boom didn’t stop there. A new generation of Black cigar makers, lounge owners, and aficionados emerged—redefining the space and taking ownership of the narrative. Brands like Emperors Cut, Black Star Line Cigars, and Carolina Blue Cigars aren’t just making premium products—they’re telling stories, building community, and reclaiming a space long dominated by others.

Cigars as Culture: The Present and Future

Today, cigars in African American culture represent far more than tobacco. They’re about legacy. Craft. Identity. They live at the intersection of conversation, community, and culture. You’ll find cigar lounges across the country where Black professionals gather to network, relax, and celebrate. You’ll see brands that uplift Black history while producing high-quality, boutique cigars that rival long-standing industry names.

Embrace the Culture, Honor the History

To embrace cigars in the African American tradition is to honor a long journey—from forced labor in the fields to the freedom of lighting up in celebration. It’s about acknowledging how far we’ve come, and who helped us get here. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or curious newcomer, exploring this world is an invitation to connect with history, culture, and community.

So the next time you enjoy a fine cigar, remember: this isn’t just smoke. This is story. This is heritage. This is power wrapped in a leaf. #cigarbuddyz #cigarbeautyz #pssita #psciyg

Light one up—not just for the flavor, but for the legacy.