Jacksonville community weighs in on major companies receiving backlash for their Juneteenth support

Jacksonville, Fla. Juneteenth has been recognized as the end of slavery in America and became a federal holiday last year.

Jacksonville residents had plenty of events to attend throughout the weekend to celebrate the holiday.

One of the popular events in the area is the Melanin Market, an event that brings together over 200 black businesses to celebrate entrepreneurship and community.

Over the past few months, major companies like Walmart have received backlash from the public about how they celebrate Juneteenth with their wares.

However, those who attended the Melanin Market celebration said there are other effective ways companies can get their point across and show support.

One participant said that “some items received feedback for what they say, which undermines the meaning of Juneteenth”.

Walmart apologized last month for making a great-value Junethine ice cream, and the Indianapolis Children’s Museum took a Junethine watermelon salad off its menu—later blaming it for an oversight that hadn’t been reviewed by museum staff.

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“It’s not about commodities and monetary things, it’s about your support. So as long as you’re truthful, I don’t want hoopla and merchandise. I want real support. I don’t need ice cream,” said Rachel Caesar Told.

Vendors at Melanin Market said knowing history and supporting black businesses is all about Juneteenth.

For vendors like Jennifer Goodwin, owner of Open Heart Arts & Crafts LLC, the perfect way to celebrate Juneteenth is to “remember the purpose.”

“If you have festivities like this that misses the purpose of Juneteenth, this is the right way to do it. Not making ice cream,” Goodwin said.

Vendors and participants at the event hope that people will continue to talk about meaningful ways to celebrate the holiday.