African Americans are often underrepresented in smoking cessation research. Focus groups were examined as an intervention to increase readiness to quit smoking, the processes of change, and the odds of randomized clinical trial (RCT) participation of non-treatment-seeking, low-income African American smokers. Ten focus groups were conducted. Smokers completed baseline and/or post-group assessments of readiness to quit, the processes of change, and focus group quality. Significant increases were discerned in readiness to quit smoking and the processes of change. Seventy-six percent of participants enrolled in a self-help RCT, which was associated with readiness to quit smoking and plans to set a quit date. One-session focus groups among low-income African American smokers appear to facilitate cognitive changes and participation in RCTs.