Preserving Cultural Heritage Amidst Rebranding: Insights from the Great-Grandson of Anna Short Harrington

A Perspective from the Descendant of Aunt Jemima

The recent decision by Quaker Foods to rebrand Aunt Jemima in response to societal pressure has ignited a passionate response from the family of the original Aunt Jemima, including her great-grandson, Larnell Evans Sr. In a recent interview with Patch, Evans expressed deep disappointment over what he sees as an erosion of his family’s cherished heritage.

Evans firmly states, “This is a personal affront to my family and me. This is a part of my history.” He doesn’t mince words in his critique of what he views as hypocrisy surrounding the rebranding, pointing out that the real racism lies in those who have exploited images reminiscent of slavery. “This corporation has profited from depictions of our enslavement. Their current decision is an attempt to erase the history of my great-grandmother, a Black woman. It’s painful.”

The Roots of Aunt Jemima

The Aunt Jemima character has its origins in 1893 when Nancy Green, a former slave, became the brand’s face at the Chicago World’s Fair. Green, a cook on Chicago’s South Side, was hired by the company to serve pancakes to fairgoers while donning an apron and headscarf—a role she embraced until her passing in 1923. According to Evans, his grandmother, Anna Short Harrington, carried on the legacy.

Anna Short Harrington’s Legacy with Quaker Foods

Anna Short Harrington, celebrated for her delicious pancakes, unexpectedly found herself in the spotlight in 1935 at the New York State Fair. There, while serving her homemade pancakes, she caught the eye of a Quaker Foods representative. Soon after, the company enlisted Harrington, using her image in advertisements and on products, making her a household name across the nation. For two decades, Harrington traveled across the United States and Canada, serving pancakes dressed as “Aunt Jemima” during her association with the Quaker Oats Company.

Evans’ Stand Against Heritage Erosion

As a 66-year-old disabled U.S. Marine veteran, Evans passionately argues against what he perceives as the erasure of his family’s history. He questions, “How do you think it feels for me, as a Black man, to witness the erasure of my family’s history?” He contends that Quaker Foods used Harrington’s pancake recipe without adequately compensating her heirs. In 2014, her descendants sought $3 billion from the company in unpaid royalties, but their efforts proved unsuccessful.

Rather than a complete removal of these images from the public eye, Evans suggests that Quaker Foods should acknowledge the profits generated from depictions of Green, Harrington, and images symbolizing slavery. “How many people grew up seeing images of Aunt Jemima at breakfast? How many companies profited immensely without offering us a fair share? They can’t simply erase it while we continue to endure.” He further asserts, “They are poised to erase history as though it never existed after amassing considerable wealth. What gives them the right?” Despite Evans’ impassioned stance, Quaker Foods remains resolute in its decision to phase out Aunt Jemima branding and artwork from all products by year-end.