Outrage Over the Erasure of Aunt Jemima’s Legacy
The Great-Grandson Speaks Out
The recent decision by Quaker Foods to rebrand Aunt Jemima has sparked fury and disappointment from the great-grandson of the original Aunt Jemima, Larnell Evans Sr. In an interview with Patch, he expressed his outrage at the erasure of his family’s history and the legacy of Aunt Jemima.
Evans is deeply saddened by the fact that cancel culture is overlooking the true heritage of Aunt Jemima, attributing racism to the use of depictions from slavery. He argues that the origins of Aunt Jemima come from a black woman, Nancy Green, who debuted as the first Aunt Jemima in 1893. Green, a former slave, served pancakes to fairgoers at the Chicago World’s Fair while wearing an apron and headscarf. She continued in this role until her passing in 1923, after which Evans’ grandmother, Anna Short Harrington, took over.
The Legacy of Anna Short Harrington
Evans proudly recounts the accomplishments of his grandmother as Aunt Jemima. Anna Short Harrington, who had previously worked as a chef at Syracuse University, gained recognition for her delicious pancakes. It was during the 1935 New York State Fair that a Quaker Foods employee discovered her and her homemade pancakes. Impressed by her skills, the company employed Harrington and utilized her image in their advertisements and product packaging. She became a household name, serving pancakes all over the United States and Canada during her 20-year tenure with Quaker Oats.
The Fight for Recognition
Despite her iconic status and the company’s use of her image, Harrington’s heirs attempted to sue Quaker Foods in 2014 for $3 billion in unpaid royalties but were unsuccessful. Evans believes that rather than erasing history, Quaker Foods should acknowledge and honor the fact that they profited from the likenesses of Nancy Green, Anna Short Harrington, and images of slavery.
Evans asks a thought-provoking question: how many white people grew up watching Aunt Jemima cartoons while enjoying breakfast? How many white businesses made substantial profits without giving anything in return? He urges Quaker Foods to reflect on the past and the suffering that continues to this day rather than simply erasing it.
Looking Towards the Future
Quaker Foods has stood firm in their decision to remove the Aunt Jemima branding and artwork from all their products by the end of the year. While this decision may mark the end of an era, the conversation surrounding the legacy of Aunt Jemima and the need for recognition and restitution for the injustices of the past continues.
As we move forward, it is essential to remember the real people who brought Aunt Jemima to life and the impact it had on their lives and the broader society.
