Alums seek change through snack business

The University could always use more unity. Now, in a way, it's here – Unity Brand Food Snacks, marketed and distributed by three University alumni. Unity potato chips, cookies, soda, fig bars and chocolate bars are some of the new products being sold in University commisaries, dining halls and The Book Store, as well as at various convenience stores near campus. Peter Andrews, a 1969 Wharton graduate, Robert Shannon, a 1973 College graduate, and Hugh Clark, a 1971 Law School graduate, together own Trans-Cultural Economic Development Inc., a black-owned business which markets the Unity brand. In addition to becoming a successful, money-making business, TEDI's main motive is to effect social change, Andrews said. TEDI markets Unity brand snacks with a positive message to inner city youth while providing employment in the community. Clark, a Philadelphia criminal attorney, founded the company. "We've been very fortunate in putting together a great Penn team after 25 years of friendship and we have great expectations for the Unity line becoming a popular brand," Clark said. Andrews, president of TEDI, attributes Unity's presence on campus to Howard Mitchell, a friend, a mentor and one of the University's first black professors. "Dr. Mitchell is a legend not only to African-American students at Penn, but to the Penn community as a whole," said Andrews, who is still in touch with the now-retired professor. Andrews added that Don Jacobs, head of dining services, has also been a major influence in bringing the Unity label to campus. "Jacobs is a masterful veteran of the food industry who has been very helpful in sharing formidable knowledge with our company," he said. Based in Germantown, TEDI is a major advocate for growth and progress in black communities. Many of their products are sold in what Shannon calls "mom and pop" stores, family owned corner operations. "We go where Herr's doesn't go," Andrews added. Unity food snacks are also sold at Temple University and Camden County Community College. TEDI has many other large and small buyers, Andrews said. Acme, one of the largest and oldest supermarkets, is its biggest client. Others include Blue Ribbon vending, All Seasons vending, 500 retail stores in Philadelphia, among others. TEDI's executive offices are located above the Lotus Academy, a private school which caters to black students. Part of Unity's proceeds go to funding the school. Shannon, vice-president of TEDI, said he takes pride in being a part of a strong, successful black-owned business. Andrews and Shannon were undergraduates at the University in the late 1960s. Being two of only 21 black students on campus, they both remember their experiences at the University with mixed feelings. Shannon said he resented the institutionalized racism that he felt was instilled in the University's ivy walls. "There were more foreign students than African-American students," Shannon said. "And the fact that nearly all of the buildings on campus face inward just emphasizes the fact that Penn didn't want to have anything to do with the community in which it is submerged." Shannon and Andrews co-founded the Society of African American Students which was later renamed the Black Student League. They said they remember spending most of their time off campus, coming to campus only for classes and activities. "I'm happy with what Wharton has given me," said Andrews, who went on to receive degrees from both Yale and Columbia. "It has definitely helped me with business connections all around the world." Andrews said he believes in small businesses as a viable alternative for black Americans. His next product idea is U of Peanuts – red and blue chocolate covered peanuts that will be available on the University's campus in time for homecoming. As Andrews put it, "Once a Quaker, always a Quaker."