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Updated:
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
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Contact:
NABJ Communications
(866) 479-NABJ
NABJ Mourns Passing of Public Relations Icon Pat Tobin
Washington, D.C., June 10, 2008 – The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) mourns the  loss of long-time NABJ member Pat Tobin, president and CEO of Tobin and Associates, a prominent minority, woman-owned public relations firm whose clientele included celebrities, entertainment companies, non-profit/political organizations and national/international corporations.
For 25 years, Tobin’s unique brand of public relations focused on building long-lasting relationships in the community, corporate America and Hollywood. She was a dedicated activist for causes that impacted minorities, women and youth and she secured financial support from corporations and philanthropic organizations for a variety of important initiatives.
Tobin was a broadcaster when she originally joined NABJ. But when she moved into public relations, she became a strong advocate for public relations professionals within the organization.
“We are extremely saddened by the loss of our dear friend,” said NABJ President Barbara Ciara. “Pat loved NABJ like it was extended family, up until a few weeks ago she was on the phone with me working to bring new sponsors to the convention. She was selfless, dedicated, and always had a warm hug handy when you needed it. Her smile, her grace, her devotion will be deeply missed."
"Pat Tobin revolutionized the public relations industry by increasing the visibility of African-Americans working in the field,” said Aprill O. Turner, NABJ Associate Representative. “As a co-founder of the National Black Public Relations Society, Ms. Tobin will forever be regarded as a standard bearer for public relations professionals of all races due to her innovative, hard-working and compassionate nature. A true giant in the world of PR, she will truly be missed."
"Within minutes of the announcement of Pat's passing, NABJ members were filling the list serve with personal recollections," said NABJ Region VI Director Bob Butler. "The testimonials show how important she was to NABJ and how important NABJ was to her. We are all better because of Pat."
In 1988, her firm represented Toyota for brand building, community relations and publicity in the ethnic community when the company sought to repair its relationship with African-American customers. Her efforts began a 20-year relationship with Toyota that resulted in countless community partnerships.
Her firm’s other clients include filmmaker Spike Lee; Judge Mablean Ephriam (FOX-TV’s "Divorce Court"); The Cochran Firm; Los Angeles NAACP and Urban League; Los Angeles African American Women’s Political Action Committee; the BET Awards among others.
Tobin is the recipient of many awards including Minorities in Business Magazine’s 2003 "Entrepreneur Spirit" Award, the Southern California Minority Business Development Council's 2003 Supplier of the Year in the Class I category, the Success Hall of Fame’s 2003 Award, the 2002 Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center President's Award, the 2002 NAACP ACT-SO Virna M. Canson Award, and the 2001 National Association of Women Business Owners "Member of the Year" Award.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the following: Pat Tobin Scholarship Fund or Pat Tobin Memorial Fund, 4929 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 245, Los Angeles, CA 90010.
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An advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization of journalists of color in the nation, with more than 4,100 members, and provides educational, career development and support to black journalists worldwide.
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