Walmart is taking a Juneteenth-themed ice cream off of the shelves and issued an apology after receiving backlash.
The label on the ice cream reads, “Share and celebrate African-American culture, emancipation and enduring hope.”
I'm old enough to remember when Walmart wasn't woke. pic.twitter.com/YuOCjGf5Mv
— Rod Dreher (@roddreher) May 24, 2022
The company issued a statement to FOX Television Stations responding to the backlash.
“Juneteenth holiday marks a celebration of freedom and independence,” Walmart said in the statement.
It continues, “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.”
Comedian and The Daily Show star Roy Wood Jr. tweeted, “Oddly, I’m more offended at the four fingers. How Imma rock my panky ring if I ain’t got a pinky?!!!”
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
He added, “Would you like some Juneteenth Ice cream on a Juneteenth plate as you sip your beer in a Juneteenth Koozie?”
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
Juneteenth is a celebration to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
President Joe Biden signed a bill recognizing it as a federal holiday last year.
“Throughout history, Juneteenth has been known by many names: Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, Liberation Day, Emancipation Day, and today, a national holiday,” Vice President Kamala Harris said at the time.
She added, “We are gathered here in a house built by enslaved people. We are footsteps away from where President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.”
Harris continued, “We have come far, and we have far to go. But today is a day of celebration. It is not only a day of pride. It’s also a day for us to reaffirm and rededicate ourselves to action.”
The president said the holiday “marks both the long, hard night of slavery and subjugation, and the promise of a greater morning to come.”
He added, “This day doesn’t just celebrate the past. It calls for action today. I wish all Americans a happy Juneteenth.”