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Patricia Tobin, co-founder of the National Black Public Relations Society, died today at Cedars-Sinai. She had been treated for colon cancer. The Black Journalists Association of Southern California reported on her illness in 2006 and has a tribute online. Channel 4 has a story saying that Tobin worked in public relations for 25 years, representing clients such as director Spike Lee, attorney Johnnie Cochran, Wells Fargo and the Los Angeles chapter of the NAACP. She founded Tobin & Associates. NBC 4
Statement via email from Los Angeles Urban League CEO Blair H. Taylor:
The loss of Pat Tobin is nothing short of a body-blow – both for the African American community and for the entire city of Los Angeles. There have been a precious few in this town who have exhibited her kind of energy, passion and commitment – not just to her customers, but also to her community. She was a fighter and a dynamo and she will be sorely missed by all of us. It is indeed a sad day for the city of Los Angeles, but we must rejoice in the memory and standards of excellence that Pat left behind for us all. The Los Angeles Urban League wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the family of Pat Tobin.
Statement via email from State Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas after the jump.
Today, I join with people throughout the City and County of Los Angeles in offering my heartfelt condolences to the family of Pat Tobin; a pioneering woman in the field of public relations who blazed a trail in entertainment marketing and publicity, as only she could, amid the bright lights of Hollywood. “I have known Pat for over 30 years - going back to the days when I was the Executive Director at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and she worked for KNXT, now KCBS. She was a consummate professional and one of the hardest working women in the business. Pat always made her job look easy, which is why she was so accomplished at what she did. “Pat always considered others before herself and it was her selflessness that led her to continually open doors in her profession so that others could follow her path to professional careers in the field she dearly loved. “Pat had an unwavering concern for justice and when wrongs were being perpetrated, she summoned people she knew would join her in a campaign or a crusade to right those wrongs. “Whenever you met Pat Tobin, you could count on her beaming ‘Pat Tobin smile,’ firm handshake and warm hug. In addition to being the hardest-working woman in public relations, Pat was one of the kindest, most sensitive individuals on the face of the earth. Because of Pat, we were all members of Tobin & Associates. “Pat’s passing is a huge loss for us all and for her profession. Public relations lost a truly great person today.”