Jump to full article: Charleston (WV) Gazette, 2009-10-30
Author: Paul J. Nyden Staff writer
Intro: A former tobacco industry executive said Friday in Charleston that cigarette companies have targeted black people in America.
LaTanisha Wright began working for the Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp., based in Louisville, Ky., in 2001. She resigned after the company merged with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco in July 2004 to form Reynolds American.
"My goal is to educate people in churches, schools and community centers, as well as public health officials," Wright said. She said her experience in the tobacco industry makes her better able to help people now.
"Our training stresses how Big Tobacco targets black communities. A lot of people living in black communities don't recognize that," Wright said. "They targeted black communities and youth. They post many more billboards and signs in black communities than in white communities."
About 40 people attended Wright's five-hour training session on Friday at the Blessed John XXIII Pastoral Center.
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