Aunt Jemima pancake mix and syrup getting new name and image
'Aunt Jemima's origins are based on a racial stereotype'
It’s been a staple on many breakfast tables for generations, but not for much longer.
Quaker Oats is removing the name and image of Aunt Jemima from its brand of syrup and pancake mix.
The 130-year-old brand features a Black woman who was originally dressed as a minstrel character.
“We recognize Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype,” Kristin Kroepfl, vice president and chief marketing officer of Quaker Foods North America, said in a press release. “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.”
New packaging will begin to appear this fall.
The company also announced it will donate at least $5-million over the next five years “to create meaningful, ongoing support and engagement in the Black community.”
banner image via Flickr
