Black Twitter has called Walmart out for their Juneteeth-themed ice cream.
Outraged users on the social media platform expressed how annoyed they were about the ice cream, which supposedly celebrates the federal holiday honoring the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. The sweet treat–described as “a swirled red velvet and cheesecake” flavor–came in Pan-African-colored packaging and sold under Walmart’s Great Value Brand. The tin also features two brown hands doing a high-five.
“Share and celebrate African-American culture, emancipation, and enduring hope,” the left side of its packaging says.
As an image of the ice cream went viral, Black Twitter voiced their opinions on the product.
“We got Juneteenth ice cream y’all. Still waiting on reparations, though. Sigh,” member of the Maryland House of Delegates, Marlon D. Amprey, tweeted on May 22.
We got Juneteenth ice cream y’all. Still waiting on reparations though. Sigh pic.twitter.com/T9jGTr0kwK
— Delegate Marlon Amprey (@marlonamprey) May 22, 2022
“In keeping with American tradition, Walmart celebrates Juneteenth by using black culture to make white folks rich,” said user @bigbadwolf456.
In keeping with American tradition, Walmart celebrates Juneteenth by using black culture to make white folks rich. pic.twitter.com/714OK9ojOM
— David (@bigbadwolf456) May 22, 2022
“Would you like some Juneteenth Ice cream on a Juneteenth plate as you sip your beer in a Juneteenth Koozie,” The Daily Show correspondent Roy Wood Jr. wrote on May 23.
Would you like some Juneteenth Ice cream on a Juneteenth plate as you sip your beer in a Juneteenth Koozie? pic.twitter.com/VCDpfOgYro
— Snack Turner (@roywoodjr) May 23, 2022
“The gentrification of Juneteenth is on the way brough to you by @Walmart. I’m also looking at the little symbol next to Juneteenth with so many questions, sigh. Do you not have any trademark attorneys who advised against this? Or do y’all just not care,” user @CreatorsLawyer said.
The gentrification of Juneteenth is on the way brough to you by @Walmart. I'm also looking at the little ™ symbol next to Juneteenth with so many questions sigh. Do you not have any trademark attorneys who advised against this? Or do y'all just not care? pic.twitter.com/FcFlM4suQ2
— Ticora Davis – The Creator's Lawyer ® (@CreatorsLawyer) May 22, 2022
The supermarket giant was also accused of ripping off a Black-owned ice cream brand called Creamlicious.
“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,” said user @Amberisms_.
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
“In all seriousness, if you have seen the Juneteenth Ice Cream from Walmart, go ahead and grab some Creamalicious Red Velvet Cheesecake instead! Walmart could have used this opportunity to highlight this brand instead of making a cheap copycat for OUR Independence Day,” user @lifeofvontay wrote.
In all seriousness……
If you have seen the Juneteenth Ice Cream from Walmart, go ahead and grab some Creamalicious Red Velvet Cheesecake instead! Walmart could have used this opportunity to highlight this brand instead of making a cheap copycat for OUR Independence Day. pic.twitter.com/avlIkjvoOU— ThatBoyTay (@lifeofvontay) May 23, 2022
Walmart has since apologized and removed Juneteenth ice cream from its shelves.
“Juneteenth holiday marks a celebration of freedom and independence,” the company’s representatives said in a recent statement to FOX. “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.”
