Muhlenberg County Public Libraries has scheduled the final program in the 2017 “Thursdays at Thistle” series.
Kentucky Chautauqua’s Debra Faulk will present her “Being Aunt Jemima, the Pancake Queen” program at Thistle Cottage on Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.
Nancy Green was a pioneer of sorts for African-American women. Born as a slave to the Walker family in Montgomery County, Kentucky in 1834, she moved with the family to Chicago in 1872. That was where she met businessman R.T. Davis. Davis had purchased a pre-mixed pancake recipe, and he wanted an “Aunt Jemima” character to help market the product. Aunt Jemima, a popular character in minstrel shows of the time, was a friendly, outgoing cook for a wealthy white family. Davis chose Nancy Green to be his Aunt Jemima.
Green turned her role as Aunt Jemima into prosperity that was almost unheard of at the time for African-Americans, especially women. She gained financial independence, and she, in turn, used her newfound wealth to help others. Green was active in church and community and used the money she received as Aunt Jemima to help lead mission trips. She became a financial supporter of programs aimed at decreasing poverty rates among black Americans. Green also used her wealth and influence to promote equal rights.
Green is portrayed by actress Debra Faulk. The show’s script is written by Bo List, who has also written scripts for Kentucky Chautauqua’s Jefferson Davis and Daniel Boone shows.
This program will be presented free of charge. Light refreshments will be provided.
For more information about this program, contact Muhlenberg County Public Libraries at 270-338-4760.
Kentucky Chautauqua is a presentation of the Kentucky Humanities Council. Local funding is provided by the Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation.
