Sally Stockhold

Aunt Jemima, “I laughed because they paid me”

From “myselfportraits, ode to icons” Series
Hand-colored archival pigment print
Edition of 6 + 2 APs
Sally Stockhold © 2009

Nancy Green (1834–1923) The first Aunt Jemima, Nancy Green, was born a slave in Kentucky. She was a renowned “story teller” and was discovered by Charles Rutt and Charles Underwood who were searching for a “Mammy” archetype to promote the first ever box product they named the “Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix.” Green was featured at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago. She cooked the pancakes, sang songs and told stories of the Old South. Her charismatic personality helped establish the hugely successful pancake mix. Because she excelled at promoting their product at the Exposition, Green was signed by Rutt and Underwood to an exclusive contract which gave her the sole right to portray the character of “Aunt Jemima” for the rest of her life. Green’s new career allowed her the financial freedom to support her family and also to work as an activist for African American causes and anti-poverty programs.

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