MONTGOMERY CO., Ky. (WKYT) – A community breakfast was held in Mount Sterling on Saturday to celebrate the woman behind a familiar face.

Nancy Green was born a slave in Montgomery County and, as an adult, inspired the Aunt Jemima brand.

Kentuckians created the Nancy Green Project with the goal of educating people about Green’s legacy.

“I think many young African Americans can find great peace, strength and encouragement knowing that an African American woman in the late 1800s was able to do something so remarkable,” said Michael Hayes, relative of Green.

Over scrambled eggs, sausages and pancakes, Nancy Project founder Candace Minnich and Dubois Community Center president Taunya Jones said they’re giving credit where it counts.

“In his honor, we put his face on the syrup bottle because we think it’s his pancakes we’re eating,” Minnich said.

Green’s great-great-great-great-great-nephews Michael and Marcus Hayes flew to Kentucky to compete in the event.

“It shows the change,” Marcus said. “We pay tribute to someone who couldn’t see this. She couldn’t be in a room where you can have so many different people smiling, eating.

Jones said the evangelist, activist and living brand will continue to be honored in her hometown.

“We will have a festival next year, continuing with the scholarship, we just hope it opens up new treasures,” she said.

The culinary scholarship in Green’s name that will be awarded to a minority student is now $7,500 and continues to grow. The Nancy Green Project is still accepting donations. Minnich said Community Trust Bank will donate $3,000 a year to the nonprofit.

Minnich and Jones then said a festival in Green’s name will be held this spring in Montgomery County.

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