The decision to remove the iconic Aunt Jemima brand has sparked a heated debate
For one person, however, this change hits closer to home than most.
Aunt Jemima’s great-grandson, Larnell Evans Sr.
has voiced his frustration and anger over what he believes is an erasure of his family’s legacy.
The Family’s Connection to Aunt Jemima
For over a century, Aunt Jemima was a staple in American households, with her image representing the beloved syrup and pancake mix. The character was originally portrayed by Nancy Green, a woman who was born into slavery but later became the face of the Aunt Jemima brand. Larnell Evans Sr., her great-grandson, has been vocal about his disapproval of the decision to rebrand the iconic product, seeing it as a removal of a significant piece of his family’s history.
Evans feels strongly that his great-grandmother’s role in shaping the Aunt Jemima brand should be honored, not erased. According to him, Nancy Green’s involvement helped create a positive and lasting legacy for the family, and the decision to scrap the Aunt Jemima name feels like a betrayal.
The Outrage Over the Brand’s Removal
When Quaker Oats, the company behind the Aunt Jemima brand, announced that they would be rebranding due to its problematic origins, Evans was one of the loudest voices in opposition. To him, the decision to remove the brand is more than just a name change—it’s a dismissal of the hard work and contributions of his ancestors.
“It’s an injustice to my family,” Evans stated in response to the announcement. He believes that instead of erasing Aunt Jemima, the brand should have focused on telling the true story of his great-grandmother’s role and legacy. For Evans, this isn’t just about a brand; it’s about preserving a piece of American history and honoring the contributions of African Americans during a time when their achievements were often overlooked.
A Legacy That Matters
The decision to rebrand Aunt Jemima was driven by concerns about the racial stereotypes the character embodied. However, for Evans and his family, Aunt Jemima represents something far more complex. While the origins of the character are deeply rooted in troubling aspects of American history, Nancy Green’s portrayal of Aunt Jemima also became a symbol of progress and achievement for the family. According to Evans, his great-grandmother used the opportunity to rise above her circumstances and create a legacy that should be remembered, not erased.
Evans is adamant that the focus should be on educating people about the real history behind Aunt Jemima, rather than simply scrapping the brand. He sees this as an opportunity to acknowledge the past while celebrating the resilience and strength of those who helped build the brand’s success.
The Broader Impact of the Rebranding
The removal of the Aunt Jemima brand is part of a broader movement to address racial injustice and reconsider symbols from the past that have negative connotations. For some, this change is seen as a necessary step toward healing and progress. But for Evans and others, it feels like an erasure of personal history and a loss of a connection to their ancestors.
While opinions on the rebranding vary, one thing is clear: the legacy of Aunt Jemima and Nancy Green will continue to be a topic of discussion. For Evans, it’s crucial that his family’s history is not forgotten in the process. He hopes that people will take the time to understand the full story behind the character and recognize the contributions of African Americans to American culture.