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PepsiCo also said it plans to donate a minimum of $5 million over the next five years through the Aunt Jemima brand to \"create meaningful, ongoing support and engagement in the Black community.\"

“We acknowledge the brand has not progressed enough to appropriately reflect the confidence, warmth and dignity that we would like it to stand for today,” said Kroepfl. “We are starting by removing the image and changing the name. We will continue the conversation by gathering diverse perspectives from both our organization and the Black community to further evolve the brand and make it one everyone can be proud to have in their pantry.”

Shortly after the Aunt Jemima move made news, Uncle Ben's, the rice maker owned by Mars Inc., also announced that it too will change its identity.

The company said in a statement Wednesday that it plans to \"evolve the Uncle Ben's band.\" No details were given on timing or exact changes but the company said it is \"evaluating all possibilities.\"

\"PHOTO:
Eva Hambach/AFP via Getty Images
PHOTO: Bags of Uncle Ben's rice are seen on a store shelf on June 17, 2020 in Washington, D.C.
>

\"As a global brand, we know we have a responsibility to take a stand in helping to put an end to racial bias and injustices,\" Mars said in a statement. \"As we listen to the voices of consumers, especially in the Black community, and to the voices of our Associates worldwide, we recognize that now is the right time to evolve the Uncle Ben’s brand, including its visual brand identity, which we will do.\"

\"Racism has no place in society. We stand in solidarity with the Black community, our Associates and our partners in the fight for social justice. We know to make the systemic change needed, it’s going to take a collective effort from all of us – individuals, communities and organizations of all sizes around the world,\" the statement added.

This report was featured in the Thursday, June 18, 2020, episode of “Start Here,” ABC News’ daily news podcast.

\"Start Here\" offers a straightforward look at the day's top stories in 20 minutes. Listen for free every weekday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, the ABC News app or wherever you get your podcasts.

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