Uncle Ben's to make changes to brand following Aunt Jemima announcement

Uncle Ben's, known for its instant rice products, is changing its branding, parent company Mars announced on Wednesday.

The brand has featured an older black man wearing a bowtie — conjuring images of a servant or a slave — since the 1940s.

"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."

No specifics were immediately given on what changes would be made.

The announcement comes the same day Quaker Oats announced its subsidiary Aunt Jemima will change its name and image, which evoke connotations of slavery.