Walmart apologizes for Juneteenth ice cream flavor after backlash

Walmart is apologizing for a new flavor of the retailer's branded ice cream called "Juneteenth," which is sparking criticism that the company is trying to cash in on the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. In a statement to CBS MoneyWatch, Walmart said it is reviewing its product assortment "and will remove items as appropriate." It added, "Juneteenth holiday marks a celebration of freedom and independence. The Juneteenth ice cream's packaging urged consumers to "share and celebrate African-American culture, emancipation and enduring hope."Walmart's biggest individual shareholders are members of the Walton family, descendants of founder Sam Walton, according to FactSet. It’s problematic when white owned brands and companies treat Juneteenth as another commercialized (co-opt) opportunity void of any commitments to the AA community, change or simple understanding of what Juneteenth is.Juneteenth became the nation's 12th federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed a law to mark June 19th as the holiday.