Lillian Richard

Lillian Richard (March 23, 1891 – July 2, 1956) was an African-American actress best known for portraying Aunt Jemima.

Historical marker dedicated to Lillian Richard

Biography

She was born March 23, 1891, in Hawkins, Texas, the fifth of eleven children born to Derry Richard and his wife Cornelia (née Washington). She grew up in the nearby community of Fouke, Texas. One of her siblings was George Richard, grandfather of Stanley Richard, a retired safety for the San Diego Chargers and the Washington Redskins.[1][2][3][4]

In 1910, Richard went to Dallas, working initially as a cook. Circa 1912, she married Golden Leflore, who died roughly two years later of tuberculosis.[4]

In 1925, she was contracted by Quaker Oats Company to portray the Aunt Jemima character, demonstrating pancakes and other products. Her job "pitching pancakes" was based in Paris, Texas.[5] She married James Diggs in 1935.[4]

Her career with Quaker Oats lasted 23 years. After she suffered a stroke circa 1947–1948, she returned to Fouke. Relatives cared for her until her 1956 death. She outlived her husband, and had no children.[4][6]

In 1995, the Texas Legislature passed a resolution declaring Hawkins the "Pancake Capital of Texas". A Texas Historical Marker was placed in Richard's name on June 30, 2012.[7][8]

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References
  1. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3QV-D56 : 13 March 2018), Lillian Williams, 02 Jul 1956; citing certificate number 39774, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,114,768.
  2. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M351-8QS : accessed 5 July 2020), Lilliun Richards in household of Derry Richards, Justice Precinct 5, Wood, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 146, sheet 11B, family 186, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,681.
  3. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2QD-F5H : accessed 5 July 2020), Lillian Richard in household of Cornelius Richard, Justice Precinct 5, Wood, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 132, sheet 14A, family 251, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1601; FHL microfilm 1,375,614.
  4. Jones, Charisse (July 12, 2020). "For faces behind Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben's and Cream of Wheat, life transcended stereotype". USA Today. Retrieved 2020-07-16.
  5. Crocker, Ronnie (June 17, 2020). "Homage to Aunt Jemima remains a tricky business". Beaumont Enterprise. Retrieved 2020-06-19.
  6. Hollister, Stacy (October 2002). "Texas History 101: The northeast town of Hawkins remembers one of its small-town girls". Texas Monthly. Retrieved 2020-06-19.
  7. Staff Reports (June 29, 2012). "State Planning to Honor 'Aunt Jemima,' Hawkins with Historical Marker". Longview News-Journal. Retrieved 2020-06-19.
  8. "Details - Lillian Richard - Atlas Number 5507016717 - Atlas: Texas Historical Commission". atlas.thc.state.tx.us. Retrieved 2019-09-16.
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