The decision by Quaker Oats to discontinue the “Aunt Jemima” brand has generated a passionate debate. One voice that stands out in particular is Larnell Evans Sr., the great-grandson of the woman who portrayed Aunt Jemima. He strongly opposes this choice, as he believes it erases the history and suffering of the Black community.

Evans, a Vietnam War veteran and Marine Corps member, feels that this decision is an injustice to his family and their legacy. He argues that while the company has benefited from the painful images of slavery, they now want to erase the history of his great-grandmother, a Black woman. To Evans, this is deeply hurtful.

The emblem of the “Aunt Jemima” brand depicts Nancy Green, a Black woman who was once enslaved. However, Quaker Oats only referred to her as a “storyteller, cook, and missionary worker.” The brand name itself was first used when Green served pancakes at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. In 1935, after the passing of Anna Short Harrington, a Quaker Oats representative decided to name her “Aunt Jemima.” Evans claims Harrington to be his great-grandmother.

Evans recounts how his great-grandmother served pancakes as Aunt Jemima for Quaker Oats, dedicating 20 years of her life traveling across the United States and Canada. He asks us to consider the experience of a Black man sharing his family history that is being threatened with erasure.

What further frustrates Evans is that the brand profited from racial stereotypes. He questions how many white individuals grew up seeing Aunt Jemima as a breakfast staple and how many white corporations benefited financially without sharing the profits. He strongly believes that history cannot simply be erased without considering the consequences and the rights of those affected.

This issue has sparked significant discussions, and it is important to hear various perspectives. We invite you to share your opinion in the comment section below. As we navigate these conversations, it is also crucial to support the Black Lives Matter movement by sharing this article on Facebook.