The Aunt Jemima brand, a staple in American households for over a century, has come under scrutiny for its racially insensitive imagery and controversial history. Originally depicted by Nancy Green, Aunt Jemima became a symbol of the “mammy” stereotype, which critics argue perpetuated harmful racial clichés.
Amid growing calls for change during social justice movements, Quaker Oats retired the Aunt Jemima name in 2020, rebranding it as the Pearl Milling Company to reflect a more inclusive future. While some praised the move as a step toward racial equity, others, including Nancy Green’s family, felt it erased a key part of their heritage, sparking debates about how best to handle historical legacies tied to problematic pasts.
