Aunt Jemima Lawsuit: Family Requests $2 Billion In Damages

Aunt Jemima’s family has filed a lawsuit, claiming their great-grandmother’s image and recipes were exploited for profit. According to the lawsuit, Hillshire brands Co., PepsiCo Inc., Pinnacle Foods, and Quaker Oats Co., denied Anna Short Harrington profits from their pancake mixes — which she perfected. Plaintiffs D.W. Hunter and Larnell Evans further claim the companies exploited Harrington’s image in their logo.

As reported by Chicago Tribune, the image of Aunt Jemima has changed numerous times throughout the last 125 years. However, Harrington’s image was used for a period of 15 years, beginning in 1935.

As stated in the lawsuit, Harrington was selected as a model because she provided the recipes for their most popular products. Her great-grandchildren believe they are entitled to a judgment, as Harrington never received a percentage of the royalties.

According the the Aunt Jemima lawsuit, Harrington had a legal contract with Quaker Oats. In exchange for the use of her image and recipes, the Harrington was promised “a percentage of the monies or royalties received.”

As reported by Consumerist, Quaker Oats denies the allegations. In an official statement, a company spokesperson contends the Aunt Jemima logo “is neither based on, nor meant to depict any one person.” Instead, the logo was designed to convey “a sense of caring, warmth, hospitality and comfort.”

The company has vehemently denied Anna Short Harrington ever signed a contract. Furthermore, they have stated that she was never considered an employee of Quaker Oats. Attorney Dean Panos said both Quaker Oats and PepsiCo have conducted extensive searches for any paperwork pertaining to Harrington’s employment. However, the contract simply does not exist.

Harrington’s great-grandsons contend they have proof Harrington was employed by Quaker Oats. In 1937, the company registered their logo, which included Harrington’s image, with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. They have also obtained a copy of Harrington’s certified death certificate — which clearly lists Quaker Oats as her employer.

D.W. Hunter and Larnell Evans believe their great-grandmother was exploited due to her age, lack of education, and race. When she was discovered by Quaker Oates, Harrington worked on a plantation with her parents — who were sharecroppers.

The lawsuit alleges “Aunt Jemima has become known as one of the most exploited and abused women in American history.” In addition to Harrington, Quaker Oats is accused of exploiting model Nancy Green — who became the original Aunt Jemima in 1893.

According to the Aunt Jemima lawsuit, Green was born a slave. Although her image was used in the original logo, she never received royalties for her work.

[Images via The Daily Dose and KillingMyCareer]