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Historical Highlights

Philip Morris USA

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1930 – 1940s  |   1950s  |   1960s  |   1970s  |   1980s  |   1990s  |   2000-Present


1953

  • The Pittsburgh Courier reports that PM USA is the first tobacco firm to advertise in the African American press, including Ebony magazine.
  • A Forbes magazine questionnaire results in PM USA receiving the highest rating in labor relations among tobacco manufacturers.

1954

  • The National Urban League honors PM USA for its progressive labor relations.
  • PM USA sponsors radio’s first African American soap opera on the National Negro Network.
  • PM USA participates in the National and Urban League’s Commerce and Industry Exhibition.
  • PM USA publishes a hotel and restaurant guide for African Americans traveling through the South so that they can find places to stay and eat. 

1956

  • White Citizens Council in the South calls for a boycott of PM USA product.  Sales are cut in half, but PM USA stands firm on its equal employment and civil rights policies.
  • PM USA makes its first education grant to the United Negro College Fund. 

1957

  • PM USA develops relationships with the National Council of Negro Women and Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America.