Walmart is in hot water after an attempt to commemorate Juneteenth with a new ice cream. The company is now apologizing for selling “Celebration Edition: Juneteenth Ice Cream,” under Walmart’s Great Value label.
Walmart Apologizes For Selling Ice Cream That Celebrated Juneteenth Holiday
What in the Walmart world is this? pic.twitter.com/RrrXR15CSD
— KimberlyYayyyy! (@KimberlyYayyyy) May 22, 2022
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“Share and celebrate African-American culture, emancipation, and enduring hope,” the label on the red velvet-flavored ice cream read.
“Juneteenth holiday marks a celebration of freedom and independence,” a Walmart spokesperson said in a statement. “However, we received feedback that a few items caused concern for some of our customers and we sincerely apologize. We are reviewing our assortment and will remove items as appropriate.”
Other Juneteenth-themed items that appear to be on sale include party plates, according to a tweet.
Would you like some Juneteenth Ice cream on a Juneteenth plate as you sip your beer in a Juneteenth Koozie? pic.twitter.com/VCDpfOgYro
— Roy Wood Jr- Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) May 23, 2022
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The ice cream sparked backlash on social media. One user posted, “Leave that s*** right there, [there] they go trying to monetize our trauma. Just like [capitalists.] We’ll make our own!!!”
While another shared: “So what type of toppings do you put on this mess? Crushed souls and shackle-shaped sprinkles??? It’s a no for me.” Followed by, “Again white people trying to capitalize on Black history that they could care less about!”
capitalism is awesome pic.twitter.com/QIzWBbnkSO
— mullet o’brien (@borgposting) May 23, 2022
Others on Twitter are encouraging shoppers to purchase Black-owned Creamalicious Ice Cream from Target.
CNN affiliate WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina, found the Juneteenth ice cream at a local store. But when a reporter tried to buy it, it was “unavailable for purchase.” A store employee told the channel that they are “throwing the ice cream out.”
Juneteenth, on June 19, is now a federal holiday after President Joe Biden signed a bill last year. The holiday is the oldest US celebration of the end of slavery, marking the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed residents that the Civil War was over and slavery abolished. African-Americans and others have long honored the anniversary with parties, picnics, and gatherings of family and friends.
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