Walmart recalls an ice cream product that the company placed on shelves with the hope of commemorating Juneteenth, the U.S. holiday that marks the freedom of enslaved African Americans.

Photos of the ice cream product surfaced online yesterday and sparked widespread backlash on social media.

 

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“Share and celebrate African American culture, emancipation and enduring hope,” read the label of the swirled red velvet and cheesecake flavored ice cream.

Social media users had a lot to say in response to the viral photos. One Instagram user commented, “What next? Fried chicken and Hennessy scented candles in the spirit of celebrating?”.

While another added, “They know how to get us boyyyy!”.

Another “celebration edition ice cream” flavor was created to commemorate June as Pride Month.

Walmart caught wind of social media’s frustration with the release of these products, and released a statement to Fox Television Stations, late Monday evening.

“Juneteenth holiday marks a celebration of freedom and independence,” the company stated. “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.”

Walmart’s apology may have come a little too late, as social media users have actually discovered a Black-owned ice cream that is also sold by the corporation. 

The ice cream brand is called Creamalicious and actually carries its own red velvet cheesecake flavor.

One Twitter user wrote that having a red velvet ice cream flavor is a “splendid idea.” But she isn’t sure where Juneteenth came into the fold. 

“Red Velvet Cheesecake is a splendid idea.  Where Juneteenth comes into the fold… Idk.,” she tweeted. “But imma buy it from Creamalicious though. LOL. Sucks that idk about this Black-owned brand until today’s Walmart trending topic.”

“Oh, well! Yummy in my tummy!!” she continued.

Last year, President Biden signed a bill establishing Juneteenth National Independence Day.

According to Fox 7 Austin, since then “at least nine states have designated it in law as an official paid state holiday.” 

The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, the date that Union soldiers shared the news of freedom to enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas – two months after the Confederacy surrendered in the Civil War.

The news of official freedom also came two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed to free enslaved people in Southern states.

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