Juneteenth is at risk of losing its meaning – By Russell Contreras (Axios) / June 19, 2022
Juneteenth is meant to acknowledge Black emancipation from enslavement, but there’s a risk it could turn into just another day off, defined more by road trips and sales on mattresses.
The big picture: Corporations, retailers and some local governments are struggling with how to honor the holiday that commemorates the end of slavery.
- Walmart apologized last month after launching a store-brand ice cream labeled as “Celebration Edition: Juneteenth.” Following a social media backlash, it pulled pints from its shelves.
- The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis also was forced to apologize this month after it came under fire for selling a “Juneteenth Watermelon Salad.”
- Last year, an Ikea store in Atlanta drew criticism after making a special menu for Juneteenth that Black employees called insensitive, with items including fried chicken and watermelon.
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