When Quaker Oats announced that their “Aunt Jemima” brand would be discontinued in light of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, it created quite a commotion.
However, a great-grandson of “Aunt Jemima” objected to the choice just one day after it was made public, stating that the family thought it would only serve to erase black history and suffering.
“This is an injustice for me and my family. Marine Corps veteran Larnell Evans Sr. stated, “this is a part of my history. After making money from slavery for many years, the business was then accused of attempting to end it.
“The racism they talk about, using images from slavery, that comes from the other side — white people. This company profits off images of our slavery. And their answer is to erase my great-grandmother’s history. A black female. … It hurts.”
The brand, whose emblem shows a black lady who was once an enslaved named Nancy Green, will be permanently withdrawn, according to Quaker Oats. Green was born into slavery, but Quaker only called her a “storyteller, cook, and missionary worker,” according to sources.
Evans is upset that the partnership was able to capitalize on a racial stereotype before quickly moving on when it proved convenient, especially because Quaker Oats plans to remove the name.
“How many white people were raised looking at characters like Aunt Jemima at breakfast every morning? How many white corporations made all the profits, and didn’t give us a dime?” said Evans.
“They’re just going to erase history like it didn’t happen? … They’re not going to give us nothing? What gives them the right?”
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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