She was 'considered a hero' in her Texas hometown for playing Aunt Jemima, one relative says. 'Good or bad, it is our history.'
The family of a Texas woman who once portrayed Aunt Jemima has called on the breakfast brand to reconsider its decision to scrap the ubiquitous fixture from its products.
“She was considered a hero in [her hometown of] Hawkins, and we are proud of that. We do not want that history erased,” Harris said. Harris said Richard worked for the company for 23 years, traveling around as Aunt Jemima to serve pancakes until she suffered a stroke. Harris said the family was upset by Quaker Oates’ announcement last week that it would rebrand Aunt Jemima products because the character’s origins are “based on a racial stereotype.”
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