The PR firm Weber Shandwick [3]'s new multicultural practice, called the Axis Agency, just hired its first senior vice-president of African-American and urban marketing. Kevin Hooks, the new hire, used to handle the Procter & Gamble [4], Motorola and Bacardi accounts for UPP Entertainment & Marketing. He's also "planning an effort for Pfizer [5] to launch in June," reports PR Week. Axis Agency president Armando Azarloza said, "There's a huge void out there today when it comes to knowing the African-American and urban markets." Axis also has a senior vice-president of Hispanic marketing, Anita Alban-Gastelum. PR Week also reports [6] that the retail giant Target "is seeking an African-American agency of record. ... Target plans a Black History Month initiative in February, as well as a partnership with singer Mary J. Blige."