Moss H. Kendrix facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Moss Hyles Kendrix
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(source from 'The Crisis' Nov. 1940)
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| Born | March 8, 1917 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | January 4, 1989 (aged 71) |
| Occupation | Public relations specialist |
| Alma mater | Howard University Morehouse College |
Moss Hyles Kendrix (born March 8, 1917 – died January 4, 1989) was a smart and important person who worked in public relations. He helped companies talk to their customers. He is most famous for his work with the Coca-Cola company in 1948.
Moss Kendrix taught big companies how important African-American customers were. He created many advertising campaigns for African-Americans. He worked with news groups, entertainers, and big companies like Carnation, the Ford Motor Company, and Coca-Cola.
Contents
The Life of Moss Kendrix
Early Years
Moss Kendrix was born in Atlanta, Georgia on March 8, 1917. He grew up mostly in Atlanta.
College Days
Moss Kendrix went to Morehouse College. While there, he was the editor of the college newspaper, The Maroon Tiger. He was also part of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He helped start the Phi Delta Delta Journalism Society. This was the first group of its kind for African-American journalism students.
In 1939, he moved to Howard University School of Law. But he decided to get work experience instead. Around this time, he married Dorothy Marie Johnson. They had two sons, Moss Kendrix, Jr. and Alan Kendrix.
Starting His Career
In 1941, Kendrix joined the United States Army. He worked for the Treasury Department, helping with war finances. In 1944, he became a director for the Republic of Liberia’s Centennial Celebration. This job made him very excited about public relations. It was the real start of his career.
The Moss Kendrix Organization
In that same year, Kendrix started his own public relations company. It was called The Moss Kendrix Organization. His company's motto was, "What the Public Thinks Counts!" This was also his personal belief. He even put it on his company's letters. His office was in Washington, D.C.
Kendrix focused on helping companies reach African-American customers. Some of his clients included Carnation, the National Dental Association, the National Education Association, the Republic of Liberia, and the Ford Motor Company.
One of the biggest moments in his career was when Coca-Cola became his client. He worked on marketing their products to African Americans. He continued to work with Coca-Cola until the 1970s.
Later Life and Passing
Moss Kendrix passed away on January 4, 1989. He died from a heart problem at his home in Washington, D.C. He was married to Muriel Kendrix.
