When Quaker Oats announced that its “Aunt Jemima” brand would be phased out in 2020 due to the Black Lives Matter movement, it caused quite a stir.

However, just one day after the decision was made public, a great-grandson of “Aunt Jemima” opposed, claiming that the family believed it would simply help to whitewash black history and suffering.

“This is an injustice for my family and me.” “This is a part of my history,” said Marine Corps veteran Larnell Evans Sr. After profiting from slavery for many years, the company was accused of wanting to abolish it.

“The racism they speak of, using images of slavery, is from the other side — white people.” This firm makes money from photos of our slavery. And their solution is to obliterate my great-grandmother’s history. A black woman… It stings.”

According to Quaker Oats, the brand, whose symbol depicts a black lady who was previously an enslaved named Nancy Green, will be discontinued indefinitely. Green was born into slavery, but Quakers referred to her as a “storyteller, cook, and missionary worker,” according to records.

Green initially utilized the “Aunt Jemima” brand name when she was hired to serve pancakes at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. following seeing Anna Short Harrington serve pancakes at the New York State Fair, a Quaker Oats representative chose to name her “Aunt Jemima” following her death in 1923. According to Larnell Evans Sr., Anna Short Harrington was his great-grandmother. She was cast in the role in 1935.

“She worked for Quaker Oats for 20 years,” Evans explained. She toured the United States and Canada as Aunt Jemima, preparing pancakes for them.

“This woman served all those people after slavery.” She was employed as Aunt Jemima. That was her responsibility. What do you think I feel like as a black man sitting here telling you about my family history that they’re attempting to erase?”

Evans is dissatisfied that the collaboration was able to capitalize on a racial stereotype before rapidly moving on when it was convenient, especially because Quaker Oats intends to remove the brand.

“How many white people were raised watching Aunt Jemima at breakfast every morning?” How many white firms made all the money and gave us nothing?” Evans stated.

“Are they just going to erase history and pretend it never happened?” … Are they going to give us nothing? What gives them the authority?”

Well, it appears that this has generated a lot of discussion. What is your position on the issue? Please share your opinions in the comment section.

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