So....How Many of You Bought Juneteenth Ice Cream From Walmart??
Most likely, none of you bought it, and probably most of you had some strong feelings one way or the other about it. I'm sure that when Walmart launched this idea they did not expect the social media backlash they received. Although one has to wonder, "Did they ask a black person their thoughts on this before they released it? Or did they just see an opportunity to make some more money and run with it?"
We can't get mad at these companies for commercializing Juneteenth as this is what most companies do with almost all holidays and especially with the "big boy" holidays.
I can appreciate getting into the spirit of celebrating Juneteenth since it has become a "big boy" holiday, but I do think that there was probably a better way for Walmart to show Juneteenth love.
Now Let Me Play the Devil's Advocate Real Quick.. :)
So as the Devil's advocate, let me pose this question to you... if we are going to get mad at Walmart for selling Juneteenth ice cream, are we going to be mad at Dollar Tree for selling Juneteenth decorations, and all these other retailers for selling Juneteenth merch? Unless these retailers and other businesses are donating their profits to causes that line up with Juneteenth's values and beliefs - aren't they doing the same thing?
Ok...enough being the Devil's advocate...
Square Peg Apparel Actually Doesn't Have Any Juneteenth Merch!
Shocking?! I know!! One of the things that sets us apart from a lot of other retailers is that we were deliberate in NOT having Juneteenth merch. What we have instead is dedicated merch and products in our African-American Heritage Collection.
When we were dreaming and planning the beginnings of Square Peg Apparel we wanted to make sure that we had merchandise for our children and people who looked like us. We are all about promoting positivity and teaching pride in our history - and not only in February!
The African American Heritage Collection is a permanent in our store. The products may change, but the collection itself will always be available.
Check out the collection here
Happy For Juneteenth Recognition and Celebration
This Sunday, June 19th is Juneteenth. Juneteenth originated in 1865 when it was announced by the Union Army to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas that they had been freed through the Emancipation Proclamation that was signed one and a half years earlier.
I am just happy that Juneteenth has been made an "official" holiday! So recognize and celebrate (or relax) however you choose! If you encounter those who may not know the history or who may need help in coming up with ways to recognize the holiday, educate and enlighten them as to why this day is so important.
- Truly Tamika