The Louisiana born rapper already having dipped his toes into the food industry with the well known “Rap Snacks” potato chip brand has decided to use his love for food to benefit his community. Specifically by creating a line of “Uncle P” products and donating a portion of the profits to programs that benefit children and the elderly living in the inner cities. The food line includes everything from oatmeal, syrup and pancake mixes to beans, grits and rice. Similar to the products provided by brands like Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben’s. Brands using Black names and imagery but don’t give to or benefit the Black communities.
The serial entrepreneur stated in an interview with CNN “When you look at Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben, a lot of those products are mockeries of African-American people and couldn’t even feed our communities,” adding that another purpose of the brand is to create jobs with the ability for growth for black individuals. Master P is hoping to also use some of the profits to develop real estate in Black neighborhoods.
“Right now we’re burning down our blocks and our communities while protesting injustice, but if we are able to own products and put money back in our community, we could buy those blocks back instead of burning them down,” (CNN)
“If they made billions of dollars off Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben, imagine how much we’ll make to give back to our own community. It’ll be us helping us without having to wait for the government. We can actually change the world.” (CNN)
Although the brand was initially launched back in March, Uncle P’s Louisiana Seasoned products didn’t seem to interest consumers until the Black Lives Matter movement put pressure on the larger companies to retire their historically problematic logos. Now the brand is attempting to keep up with the demand from major grocery stores.
Uncle P’s products are available in stores across the nation.
This was an interesting read. I had all but completely forgotten that Master P entered into the food services industry. This was a great article to bring it back to the forefront of our minds. Especially the aspect of him giving back to the community.
I would have liked to have known some more specifics (i.e. what percentage of revenue he returns to the community, how much has been contributed thus far and what specific programs his contributions fund and support).
Also, source your statements whenever possible (even your opinions).
This was very good for your first attempt into this particular journalism sector. I look forward to reading more of your work!