• Outrage over the removal of icons like Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben spark controversy
• Comedian and political commentator Terrence K. Williams weighs in
• Williams dons chef’s hat and emblazons products with his likeness as a strong statement against cancel culture

The fastest growing pancake mix in the country is Cousin T’s. Headed by conservative celebrity Terrence K. Williams, the company has gained in popularity since it was founded in 2021. Cousin T’s offers gourmet pancake mix in a range of flavors: classics like Buttermilk and Blueberry, both also available in gluten-free; Apple Cinnamon; and several new flavors, Chocolate Chip (also available in gluten-free), Birthday Cake, and Buckwheat.

Pancakes have always been a beloved breakfast staple in America, and the ease of pancake mixes allow working parents to create delicious hot meals for their families. In 2019, popular restaurant International House of Pancakes (IHOP) introduced gluten-free pancakes to their menu to great success.

Research shows that many consumers, especially younger consumers, are more likely to spend money on food choices that offer greater health benefits, such as vegan and gluten-free options. In fact, the global market value for gluten-free products was valued at $5.9 billion USD in 2021, and is projected to increase at a CAGR of 9.8% from 2022 to 2030.

But Cousin T’s has a deeper message than a delicious breakfast and healthy pancake options. In fact, the company was formed partially in response to Quaker Oats’ June 2020 announcement that the brand Aunt Jemima would be discontinued. The company claimed that the change was made “to make progress toward racial equality”.

Then in September 2020, Mars Food decided to change the UNCLE BEN’S® Brand to Ben’s Original™ to “create a more inclusive future while maintaining its commitment to producing the world’s best rice”.

The cancellation of these two icons was not well received by America’s Black population. “We didn’t ask for this,” says Williams. “I grew up with these familiar faces. It was comforting. It wasn’t racist. It was part of my childhood and now it’s been destroyed by people claiming to care about my race when in fact they’re just about the bottom dollar.”

Williams created his company Cousin T’s in part to combat cancel culture. “This has been such a process. I started working on my gourmet pancake mix in 2020 after Uncle Ben and Aunt Jemima were canceled. I was angry. I think everyone was.”

He’s right. Aunt Jemima was a cultural icon and her likeness once graced the packaging for products loved by millions. The character has been portrayed by multiple models and actresses since Aunt Jemima was created in 1889. The families of these women have spoken out against the removal of Aunt Jemima’s likeness. One model was Anna Short Harrington. Her grandson Larnell Evans Sr. said, “This is an injustice for me and my family. This is part of my history. The racism they talk about, using images from slavery, that comes from the other side – white people. This company profits off images of our slavery. And their answer is to erase my great-grandmother’s history.”

Another notable figure was Lillian Richard; once a domestic worker, or servant, she became the face of Aunt Jemima and did cooking demonstrations. She was one of the first brand ambassadors in America, and her position enabled her to travel, make a living, and become well known in her community. Her great-niece Vera Harris says, “She was considered a hero in Hawkins, and we are proud of that. We do not want that history erased.” She made a plea to Quaker Oats about the Aunt Jemima image: “A lot of people want it removed. We want the world to know that our cousin Lillian was one of the Aunt Jemimas, and she made an honest living. We would ask that you reconsider just wiping all that away.”

If the very families of the women who portrayed Aunt Jemima didn’t want her image removed from the packaging, Terrence K. Williams wonders why white liberals decided it was a good idea. The comedian and popular political commentator has made his feelings known and continues to fight cancel culture through his business.

Along with his political ideals, Terrence’s humble beginnings are also a key component in his desire to create Cousin T’s. He details his journey in his book, From The Foster House to The White House. “I grew up in the foster care system. It wasn’t easy. I felt the lack of a real family, and I used to dream about what it would be like to have big Saturday morning breakfasts around the table, with Grandma in the kitchen and fresh pancakes on the stove.”

As an homage to Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben, Williams donned a chef’s hat and put his own image on the packaging for his products. For doing this, for taking a stand, he has received backlash and even death threats. “People want me to remove my image,” he says. “But I’ve had enough of cancel culture. Cousin T’s will not be canceled.”

Cousin T’s offers gourmet pancake mixes in multiple flavors, soon to be joined by vegan and gluten-free options. Customers and fans can also order custom apparel, gift sets, and other merchandise from the website.

Contact –

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://cousints.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cousints/