Skip to main content
You're logged in with MyAlex  |  Logout

City of Alexandria, VA

Search results cleared

Include archived pages
Most of the content here is written in English. Translate your search to find more content? Translating "" to English... Searching for English phrase ""
  • Live
  • Play
  • Services
  • Business
  • Government
  • Projects & Plans
  • Calendar
  • I want to…

Moss H. Kendrix: Coke, Coolers, Conventions, and Coffee

This exhibition, at the Alexandria Black History Museum through December 2027, delves into the groundbreaking contributions of Moss H. Kendrix (1917-1989), a pioneering figure in public relations and advertising. Known as the “Father of Black Public Relations,” Kendrix’s innovative campaigns redefined African American representation in media during the Jim Crow era, making significant strides for more inclusive and authentic portrayals.
Page updated on October 27, 2026 at 11:28 AM

Museums

  • Historic Alexandria (Home)
  • About Historic Alexandria
  • Educational Resources
  • Events and Experiences
  • Explore Alexandria’s History
  • Plan your Visit
  • Rentals and Private Events
  • Support Us/Get Involved

Share

Bluesky Share on Facebook Share on X Share via Email
Translate icon
Translate icon
XWARNING: You have chosen to translate this page using an automated translation system. This translation has not been reviewed by the City of Alexandria and may contain errors.

Coke, Coolers, Conventions, and Coffee

In his public relations work, Kendrix plugged into pre-existing networks and organizations, including his own fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha. This placed Coca-Cola and Carnation products directly into the hands of potential consumers. 

Arranging complimentary Coke beverage stations at meetings, conventions, and sporting events, Kendrix introduced attendees to the soft drink, enhancing its popularity. The Coca-Cola Company and bottlers also donated trophies and plaques for contests and tournaments and placed paid advertisements in event programs.

Carnation Milk was a featured exhibitor at Home Service Fairs and Cooking Schools sponsored by African American newspapers, where it offered product samples and demonstrations. At medical conventions, Carnation provided coffee service, and Kendrix set up booths where MHKO personnel interviewed pediatricians about infant feeding recommendations to new mothers. 

Six members of APA fraternity with Coke advertisement and cooler in box.
Alpha Phi Alpha Convention, Detroit, MI, 1953
Kendrix shows a Coke cooler to delegates. Coolers were often used for prizes and promotions at events.


 

Trophies in a glass case
Championship Trophies Sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company, 1957
Sign on case reads, Annual Tournament, United Golfers' Association, Auguest 26 to 30, East Potomac Park Golf Course, Hain's Point, Washington, D.C., Wake-Robbin Golf Club, Host.
A small sign reads, Championship Trophies, Coca-Cola Company.

Premium Promotions

Carnation Milk sponsored contests, sweepstakes, and promotions. 

Starting in 1954, an annual Hometown Healthy Baby Contest found the healthiest and cutest babies, three years old and younger. Promotions in local newspapers included entry forms that readers submitted with their baby’s picture for the chance to win cash prizes.

In 1958, Carnation Milk partnered with Schneider-Sunbeam for a “bunburger” campaign, promoting the use of evaporated milk in hamburger meat and burger buns. Kendrix’s publicity featured the creation of a colossal bun and hamburger to feed 80, eaten by a group of YMCA campers. Newspapers and magazines ads included family-sized bunburger recipes. 

Carnation Evaporated Milk advertisement with recipe for bunburger.
Carnation Magazine Advertisement, 1958
Carnation Evaporated Milk ads often included recipes. The bunburger had many variations, including pizza, bulls-eye, and stuffed olive versions.
Read the Recipe.

1: The Moss H. Kendrix Collection

2: The Black Image

3: Trailblazer and Visionary

4: A Radio and Newspaper Man

5: Strength in Numbers

6: Aspirational Advertising and the American Dream

7: Coke, Coolers, Conventions, and Coffee

8: He Was Everywhere…

9: Contemporary Kendrix

Contact Us
Alex311 | 703.746.4311
Follow Us
  • BlueSky
  • Facebook
  • X
  • YouTube
Visitor Information

VisitAlexandriaVA.com

  • Jobs
  • Payments
  • Departments
  • Newsroom
  • Social Media
  • Emergency Hotlines
  • Accessibility
  • FOIA Requests
  • Privacy & Legal
City of Alexandria Seal
© 1995–2023 City of Alexandria, VA and others.
Hold on, redirecting...