Pearl Milling Company

It took long enough (131 years to be exact), but Quaker and Pepsi Co, finally retired the racist stereotype and name Aunt Jemima from their popular syrup brand. The name was replaced by Pearl Milling Company in June 2020, but the packaging retained its distinct look and label.

The name Pearl Milling Company dates back to the original mill that created the self-rising pancake mix that was later known as Aunt Jemima. Quaker Oats purchased that brand in 1925.

I crafted this illustration to reflect the history and years of criticism resulting in a change that, to some, came years and even decades too late. It represents the attempted erasure of their past, but history isn’t just black and white.