The Unforgettable Nancy Green: Storyteller, Showwoman, and Culinary Ambassador

Celebrate the life and legacy of the remarkable woman behind the Aunt Jemima brand

Stylized drawing of Nancy Green dressed as Aunt Jemima at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Based on an illustration published in the United States prior to 1923. Public domain.

A Birth Amidst Bondage

Picture this: It’s 1834, in Montgomery County, Kentucky. Here, a brave soul named Nancy Green enters the world, not as a free person, but as a slave. Yet, the darkness of her birth doesn’t dim her light.

This remarkable woman grows to become an icon, carving her way through an era tainted with racial bias. Buckle up, and let’s dive into her inspiring story.

Fast forward to December 6, 1865. The Thirteenth Amendment sets Nancy free. Her new life begins in Chicago, Illinois, where she works as a nanny and a cook. Now, she’s not just cooking meals; she’s cooking up stories that feed hearts and minds.

The Birth of Aunt Jemima

Imagine a sunny day in 1890. The R.T. Davis Milling Company is on the lookout for a face for their new product, Aunt Jemima’s pancake mix.

In walks Nancy, with her magnetic charm, compelling stories, and delicious recipes. It’s a match made in heaven! And with this, Nancy becomes the first African-American corporate model in the U.S., etching her name in…