Vincent Howell, president for the food division of the Masterfoods USA unit of Mars, on Uncle Ben’s transformation from slave figure to CEO: “What’s powerful to me is to show an African-American icon in a position of prominence and authority,” Mr. Howell said. “As an African-American, he makes me feel so proud.”

Um, proud might be the wrong word, and I’m not sure if that modifier is necessary either.

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