Wmart pulls Juneteenth ice cream Roy Wood Jr. cled out on soci media
Walmart is pulling its ice cream commemorating Juneteenth after criticism and backlash on social media.
The ice cream, consisting of a swirl of red velvet and cheesecake flavors, has a label that reads, “Share and celebrate African-American culture, emancipation and enduring hope.”
Many on social media have called out Walmart for using Juneteenth as a marketing scheme.
“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.”
Among those who have called attention to the ice cream is Alabama-raised Roy Wood Jr.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, two months after the Confederacy had surrendered. It was about 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in Southern states.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.
