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The Real Aunt Jemima Hailed From Montgomery County
aunt jemima, culture, nancy green, r.t. davis,
It’s true: Montgomery County native Nancy Green was the woman chosen to portray Aunt Jemima on boxes of the famous pancake mix.
Green‚ who lived from 1834-1923‚ was selected in 1893 to become one of the first black corporate models in the United States. Born into slavery in Montgomery County‚ she was hand-picked for the trademark role by businessman R.T. Davis.
Davis‚ head of the R.T. Davis Milling Co.‚ bought the pancake formula from a bankrupt milling company‚ but it was his idea to use a living spokesperson to promote the product. Davis discovered Green in Chicago‚ and she signed a lifetime contract as spokeswoman for Aunt Jemima at age 59.
