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Moss H. Kendrix: Strength in Numbers

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 10:05 AM

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Strength in Numbers

Networking was central to Kendrix’s success. Segregation in 1950s America created many hurdles to building and maintaining business relationships for Black professionals.

In 1953, Kendrix formed the National Association of Market Developers (NAMD), dedicated to supporting African American people and others working in the public relations field.

Academics and business professionals shared their knowledge, experience, data, and new marketing theories and techniques at NAMD’s annual conference and workshops. NAMD’s newsletter shared expertise on marketing specifically to Black consumers and promoting this market to U.S. companies. NAMD provided a list of national and state conventions and conferences for Black professional, athletic, fraternal, and religious organizations. These events provided opportunities to reach Black audiences directly and to network with other market developers.

Moss Kendrix at a panel discussion “The Status of Coca-Cola in the Market Place.”
NAMD Workshop Session, 1960
Staff from MHKO and Coca-Cola joined workshop chairman Kendrix for the session, “The Status of Coca-Cola in the Market Place.”

 

Folder of program schedule and other materials from National Association of Market Developers annual convention.
Material from the NAMD 7th Annual Convention 1960.
Folder reads: N.A.M.S. National Association of Market Developers. Expertly Serving the Negro Market Across the Nation. 7th Annual Convention. Chicago. Typed program schedule is partly visible, showing board meeting, registration, and official welcome by Moss Kendrix and others.


 

Promoting Promotions

Kendrix was committed to breaking racial stereotypes in the workforce through the career advancement of African American employees within his organization and the companies he worked with. Kendrix also helped promote the careers of African American athletes, entertainers, and models.

At the London games in 1948, Alice Coachman became the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal. When she returned home to Georgia, Kendrix organized an Alice Coachman Day celebration in Atlanta. Kendrix worked with Coachman again in 1952 when his Coca-Cola campaign made her the first African American female athlete to endorse an international consumer product.

Athlete Alice Coachman promoting Coca-Cola
Alice Coachman Coca-Cola Advertisement, 1952
Olympic gold medalist Alice Coachman and fellow athletes appeared on large promotional cardboard displays in a “point of sale” campaign.

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

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