The “Aunt Jemima” brand name was first used when Green was contracted to serve pancakes at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. A Quaker Oats representative witnessed Anna Short Harrington serving pancakes at the New York State Fair and decided to make her “Aunt Jemima” after her passing in 1923. Larnell Evans Sr. claims Anna Short Harrington was his great-grandmother. She took up the role in 1935.

Evans said: “She worked for that Quaker Oats for 20 years. She traveled all the way around the United States and Canada making pancakes as Aunt Jemima for them.

“This woman served all those people, and it was after slavery. She worked as Aunt Jemima. That was her job. … How do you think I feel as a black man sitting here telling you about my family history they’re trying to erase?”

Evans is upset that the partnership was able to capitalize on a racial stereotype before quickly moving on when it proved convenient, especially because Quaker Oats plans to remove the name.

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