Target Pulls Black History Month Item That Misidentified Civil Rights Leaders
NEW YORK — Retail giant Target has announced that it will no longer sell a product dedicated to civil rights icons after a TikTok video went viral, exposing significant errors within the item. The video, posted by Las Vegas high school teacher Tierra Espy, showcased how three prominent civil rights leaders—Carter G. Woodson, W.E.B. DuBois, and Booker T. Washington—were misidentified in the magnetic learning activity.
Espy, who goes by the handle @issatete on TikTok, expressed her concerns in the video, stating, These need to be pulled off the shelves immediately. I teach U.S. History…and I noticed some discrepancies as soon as I opened this. She had purchased the Civil Rights Magnetic Learning Activity at the end of January with the intention of using it for her students. However, upon opening the product, she quickly discovered the glaring errors and decided to share them online.
Following the video’s widespread circulation, Target confirmed that they would halt sales of the product. We will no longer be selling this product in stores or online, said the Minneapolis-based company in a statement. We’ve also ensured the product’s publisher is aware of the errors. Target did not disclose how long the item had been available for purchase or provide a timeline for its removal. The product’s erroneous magnetic activity bears a Bendon manufacturing label, and the Ohio-based children’s publisher has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Although Target and Bendon have not reached out to Espy directly, she expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from fellow TikTok users. While she is pleased that the product has been taken off the shelves, she also expressed disappointment in the lack of an apology from the companies involved. Espy emphasized the importance of thoroughly reviewing products before making them available to consumers, urging companies to conduct quick Google searches to avoid such harmful errors in the future.
The incident comes at the beginning of Black History Month, a time when Target and other retailers typically promote special collections that celebrate Black history. Espy’s TikTok video and the subsequent response demonstrate the significance of accurate representation and the increasing attention given to historical figures within the civil rights movement.
In conclusion, Espy said, I’m happy that people are realizing that history, period, matters. Her video has shed light on the importance of reviewing educational products to ensure factual accuracy and avoid perpetuating misinformation.
As the nation commemorates Black History Month, this incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to affirm and honor the contributions of civil rights leaders accurately. Retailers, educators, and consumers alike must remain vigilant in promoting accurate historical representation and fostering an inclusive learning environment.
