Quaker Oats announced Wednesday that they would be changing the name of the Aunt Jemima pancake mix and syrup.
The company said in a statement that it recognizes that “Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype” and this move is part of an effort by the company to “make progress toward racial equality.”
The brand features a black woman dressed as a character from the minstrel shows back in the the 19th century.
Aunt Jemima was first “brought to life” by Nancy Green, who was born a slave in 1834 in Kentucky. She became the face of the product in 1890.
Although the company has been working to correct the problem throughout the years by replacing the handkerchief on the Aunt Jemima character’s head with a plaid headband in 1968, and adding pearl earrings and a lace collar in 1989.
Vice President and chief marketing officer of Quaker Kristin Kroepfl said “We recognize Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype, As we work to make progress toward racial equality through several initiatives, we also must take a hard look at our portfolio of brands and ensure they reflect our values and meet our consumers’ expectations.”
Quaker said the new packaging would be released in the fall of 2020, and a new name is coming soon.
