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FRIENDS OF EDDIE ATKINSON...

ABOUT J. EDWARD ATKINSON....

PROFILE OF EDDIE ATKINSON

J. Edward Atkinson-Eddie, as we know him-is Manager of Urban Relations for Carnation Company, Los Angeles, California, and acts as a liaison officer between Carnation Company and all minority communities. He was promoted to his present position in 1975. Previously he had served, beginning in 1965, as public relations supervisor, senior public relations supervisor, and assistant director of public relations. 

Born in Denver,Colorado, he has a B.A degree from Loyola University in Los Angeles. He is the editor and researcher of Black Dimensions in Contemporary American Art, a record of the genius of 50 black American artists, published in 1971, and recognized by Esquire magazine and the Business Committee for the Arts for its outstanding contribution in promoting the arts. In 1974, Mr.Atkinson coordinated, edited and was involved in the promotion and distribution of "Rising Voices"|"Voces Que Surgen." This book includes the inspiring stories of 52 outstanding Spanish-Americans portrayed in vivid words and photos. He has authored many pamphlets on employment, prenatal care and health, and black history. Distribution of these pamphlets has exceeded 15 million.

In 1958, Eddie was the first black to run for the Los Angeles City Council-losing by only 1 thousand votes!

Eddie Atkinson has served as a past national Vice president of the National Association of Market Developers,Inc.; Los Angeles Chapter of the NAACP; Western Region. Urban League, and is currently a member of the Pre-need Board of Trustees for the Angelus Corporation. 

Among his many distinguished awards are: In 1974, Eddie was awarded a "Silver Anvil," for his institutional public relations program on behalf of Carnation. The Silver Anvil Awards are presented by the Public Relations Society of America and are the ultimate honors to public relations professionals.

In 1977 he received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from King Memorial College in Columbia, South Carolina. In 1978 he received the Achievement Award from the Los Angeles Association of Advertising Women. In 1979 the Governor of Kentucky bestowed upon Eddie the title of "Honorary Kentucky Colonel." In 1981 he received the National Association of Market Developers' Presidential Award.

[[images - scenes from the ceremony]]


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