In the early 1940, however, this wasn't an easy task for any Black to take on this task. The South was segregated. The team of McKellar and Maund would endure untold racism. Where could, for example, a female and male pair of Pepsi workers stay in segregated cities? White hotels forbade them admittance. Survival was tough. The risks were enormous. But the Pepsi workers had to complete their assignments. 

           Soon dreading the rigors of life on the road, Jeanette Maund left the grime and Mr. McKellar continued his marketing and sales work for the company. During World War 11, however, he left the company to serve in the army.

           After returning home, he became closely aligned with the Urban League in Chicago and learned that Pepsi-Cola was hiring. Soon he became part of a sales team made up totally of African American men assembled by the late Edward Boyd who was its manage. These well-educated and competent salesmen included graduates of Harvard, Hampton, South Carolina A and M College (now South Carolina State), Boston University and Pace College of Business Administration (presently Pace University). And off they went to the South, sometimes traveling as a group. Other times, they would break into smaller groups of six. As McKellar had experienced in prior years, the team faced the harshest side of Jim Crow but still persevered.

          They were role models, speaking at churches, schools and for groups. The Black community embraced these men into their arms. More importantly, they purchased Pepsi-Cola and this ultimately made the team outstanding. This group of Black salespeople also changed the face of advertising in America. Pepsi-Cola featured African Americans as professionals and middle class instead of stereotypical caricatures in their ads. In fact, the late Ronald Brown, former U.S. Commerce Secretary was one of the first Black children showcased.

          Eventually, this impressive team of sales professionals broke up when Alfred Steele, husband of Joan Crawford took over Pepsi's leadership. Remember Mommie Dearest? McKellar remained with Pepsi but took a position in Texas. During his tenure at the company, he rose to become National Sales Representative, the first Black to do so.

         After leaving Pepsi, he became Vice President of Falstaff Brewing Company in St. Louis, Missouri. Today, he is the owner of Senrenella Enterprises, an international marketing company. He and his lovely wife Ernestine who is a Fisk University graduate live in St. Louis.

       The Black Career Zone salutes this unsung hero. If you want to read more about him, see Diversity MBA Magazine's "Twice As Much for a Nickel Two: Pepsi Cola's Unsung Black Heroes". He is also profiled in The Real Pepsi Challenge by Stephanie Capparell.