An attempt by Walmart to “celebrate African-American culture” melted before the retail giant’s eyes amid backlash from today’s perpetually aggrieved generation.
Walmart introduced ice cream consisting of a swirl of red velvet and cheesecake flavors to commemorate Juneteenth — June 19, 1865, is recognized as the day when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved black people in Galveston, Texas, this being two months after the Confederate Army surrendered to Union forces, ending the Civil War. Approximately 2 1/2 years earlier, President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves in Southern states.
“Share and celebrate African-American culture, emancipation and enduring hope,” the Walmart ice cream label read.
However, some saw the endeavor as a capitalistic ploy:
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
And Walmart soon caved and decided to pull the product.
“Juneteenth holiday marks a celebration of freedom and independence,” Walmart said in a statement to Fox Television Stations. “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.”
President Joe Biden signed a bill last year creating Juneteenth National Independence Day, with the U.S. government observing the day as a federal holiday. Nine states have designated the date as an official paid state holiday, with eight of those states acting after the death of George Floyd, according to the Associated Press. Believe it or not, Texas became the first state in the U.S. to declare Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980.
Some even accused Walmart of “stealing” a product created by a black-owned ice cream company out of Cincinnati called Creamalicious — the tweet below states that the product is sold at Target, but it is reportedly also available at Walmart stores:
Walmart literally saw a successful small Black business and thought they could get away with stealing their flavor and re-branding it for Juneteenth.
Anyways, Creamalicious is available at Target. pic.twitter.com/y3DyzpYtGv
— A is for Afro (@Amberisms_) May 23, 2022
Turns out, there is apparently a Pride ice cream celebrating the LGBTQ+ community — at least for now:
I’m old enough to remember when Walmart wasn’t woke. pic.twitter.com/YuOCjGf5Mv
— Rod Dreher (@roddreher) May 24, 2022
Here’s a sampling of other responses to the story from Twitter:
Oddly, I’m more offended at the four fingers. How Imma rock my panky ring if I ain’t got a pinky?!!! pic.twitter.com/0B3OkVkOBG
— Roy Wood Jr- Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) May 22, 2022
How disrespectful and greedy. Always finding a way to exploit and line your pockets. @Walmart pic.twitter.com/6VgA4guH9h
— Lisa Middleton-Thompson (@LisaMiddletonT2) May 23, 2022
Walmart can go to hell with that Juneteenth ice cream. Cause who is that even for? Y’all really be playing in our face led.
— JessiP (@Mrs_JessiP) May 23, 2022
Since @Walmart is so clearly feeling moved to celebrate #Juneteenth, I guess all black employees will have the option of either a paid day off or double time that day. Right? pic.twitter.com/T8PMvuugqA
— Dr. Haddassah’s black table (@DreazyBK) May 23, 2022
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Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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