PLATTSBURGH — Clinton Franklin Essex Reality Check youth traveled to Washington, D.C. last week to stand up to Big Tobacco as part of the 2025 Mobilize Against Tobacco Lies conference.
Reality Check is a youth-led program that empowers teens to fight back against tobacco marketing and work toward a healthier, tobacco-free future for their generation.
The event took place from May 14 to May 15 and brought together young advocates from across the country to call out tobacco industry deception and demand change.
The two-day event began with intensive training led by national public health organizations such as the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and Counter Tools. These sessions covered rally planning, media engagement and current nicotine trends equipping students with the tools to make their voices heard.
The conference culminated in a powerful demonstration outside the Washington, D.C. lobbyist office of Altria Group, which was holding its annual virtual shareholder meeting. Just steps from the U.S. Capitol, youth delivered a bold message: “Don’t Get Caught in Altria’s Web of Lies.”
“Being there in person and seeing the effect we had on shareholders and the general public was really impactful,” Ada Burgess, a local Reality Check participant, said.
“Even negative reactions showed they noticed us and were affected by what we were saying. It’s powerful to realize we can actually make a difference.”
Reality Check participants and national youth leaders also made their voices heard inside the virtual shareholder meeting by using Altria stock to submit tough questions to company executives during the Q&A session. These powerful contributions challenged the company’s narrative and brought youth concerns directly to the forefront.
McKenna McGrath, another Reality Check advocate, said “it was a really powerful and valuable experience.”
After the demonstration, the group gathered with peers and mentors to reflect on the day’s actions, share insights, and plan how to bring the momentum back to their local communities.
Alice Elizabeth Ladue, Reality Check Coordinator for Clinton Franklin Essex, praised the students.
“These young people are fierce, informed, and fearless,” Ladue said.
“They’re taking on one of the most powerful industries in the world and they’re already making a real impact.”