Nancy Green

Nancy Green was an African-American woman who was hired by the R.T. Davis Milling Company in Missouri to represent "Aunt Jemima," an advertising character named after a song from a minstrel show. Green was born into slavery in Montgomery County, Kentucky, in 1834. After the Civil War, she moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she worked as a domestic servant for a judge named Walker Lewis.

Early Life

Nancy Green was born into slavery in Montgomery County, Kentucky on November 17, 1834. Little is known about her early life, but it is believed that she was raised on the plantation of Armour Green, who may have been her father.

Career

In 1890, Green was hired by the R.T. Davis Milling Company to represent "Aunt Jemima," a character that was used to sell a brand of pancake mix. She was chosen for her storytelling skills, her talent for cooking, and her friendly personality. Green made her debut as Aunt Jemima at the 1893 World's Exposition in Chicago, where she was a huge hit. She continued to portray Aunt Jemima until her death in 1923.

Legacy

Green's portrayal of Aunt Jemima played a significant role in the popularization of the brand. Her image was used on packaging and promotional materials for over a century. However, the character of Aunt Jemima has been criticized for perpetuating racial stereotypes. In 2020, the Quaker Oats Company announced that it would retire the Aunt Jemima brand and logo.

Death

Green died on August 30, 1923, in Chicago. She was buried in an unmarked grave in the Oak Woods Cemetery. In 2020, a headstone was finally placed on her grave.

See Also

• Aunt Jemima
• R.T. Davis Milling Company
• 1893 World's Exposition

External Links

• Biography of Nancy Green
• Official Aunt Jemima website