Among racial and ethnic groups, African Americans have the worst mortality from major tobacco-related diseases and bear a disproportionate burden of tobacco-related health problems. Because such a tremendous disparity exists, it is particularly urgent that researchers learn more about how the tobacco industry promotes tobacco use and tries to influence African American communities. This presentation will review emerging findings from two studies analyzing internal tobacco industry documents which were released to the public as a result of the state attorneys general settlement and other cases. These internal documents show strategies that are utilized by the tobacco industry to work with African American media, businesses, and other groups. The documents reveal how the tobacco industry has cultivated relationships with African American business and professional organizations in the form of corporate sponsorships. How do these organizations respond? In what ways does corporate sponsorship benefit the industry? We will present case studies of the tobacco industry's efforts to influence African American organizations and discuss implications for tobacco control. California Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program (Grant #9RT-0095); National Cancer Institute (Grant #CA87472-01).
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to identify key strategies used by the tobacco industry to target African Americans.
Keywords: Tobacco Industry, African American
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.