Learn how Nancy Green became Aunt Jemima, gained financial independence, and how she used her wealth as a means to empower her community.
Nancy Green became one of the first prosperous African American women in the U.S. She was born a slave in Montgomery, KY in 1834 but, once freed and employed as the Aunt Jemima spokeswoman, went on to gain financial independence few African Americans and few women experienced at that time. Green used her wealth as a means to empower her community. She was particularly active in her church, leading missionary trips, investing in anti-poverty programs for African Americans, and advocating for equal rights. Though her work depended on a derogatory racial stereotype, her financial success demonstrates how black Americans could sometimes play on and use such images to their advantage. Debra Faulk portrays Nancy Green in this powerful performance. . Related to last summer’s decision by Quaker Oats to retire the Aunt Jemima brand and logo, Debra Faulk stated “I definitely support Quaker Oats for pulling that for everyone.” Program funded in part by Kentucky Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
AGE GROUP: | All Ages |
EVENT TYPE: | Library Event |
The Main Library is located in the Cleo Rogers Memorial Library in downtown Columbus at 536 Fifth Street. Completed in 1969 and designed by architect I.M. Pei, it features library collections for children, teens, and adults. It also houses the Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives, Family and Local History collection, and BCPL Create studio.