Quaker Oats unveiled their new name and logo to replace the Aunt Jemima brand that was retired after widely being criticized for furthering racist stereotypes. The company's owner chose the name after "Old Aunt Jemima," an 1875 minstrel show song performed by people in blackface.
The pancake mix and syrup was renamed "Pearl Milling Company," which PepsiCo says is a nod to the company's beginning. They released a statement, where they explained, "This name is a nod to where our delicious products began before becoming a family-favorite breakfast staple. While the Aunt Jemima brand was updated over the years in a manner intended to remove racial stereotypes, it has not progressed enough to appropriately reflect the dignity, respect and warmth that we stand for today."
PepsiCo will replace Aunt Jemima with the Pearl Milling Company in June.
Source: NPR
