- Target faces backlash for selling Black History Month material with factually incorrect information, mislabeling prominent Black Americans.
- TikTok user @Issatete exposes the issue in a viral video, pointing out multiple mislabeled names in a learning activity book sold at Target.
- Target responds by removing the product from stores and reaching out to the publisher, Bendon, while criticism grows over the lack of quality control and the timing of the controversy.
Additional Coverage:
Target has come under criticism for selling Black History Month material in their stores that contains factually incorrect information, specifically mislabeling historic Black Americans. The issue was brought to light by a TikTok user named @Issatete, who posted a viral video showing a learning activity book called “Civil Rights” that she found at Target. The book, produced by Bendon, includes names of prominent Black figures mismatched to their photos. @Issatete, who teaches U.S. history, pointed out at least three examples of completely mislabeled names and called for action to be taken by Target.
One example highlighted by @Issatete is a picture of Carter G. Woodson in the magnet-book, which is mistakenly labeled as Pan-Africanist civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois. In another instance, a picture of educator and author Booker T. Washington is labeled as Du Bois, while Du Bois’ photo is actually of Woodson. The mistakes have sparked outrage, with many people questioning why the book wasn’t proofread before being sold.
Target has since responded, stating that they will no longer sell the product in stores or online. They have also reached out to the publisher to inform them of the errors. However, the publisher has not yet responded to the viral post. While some speculate that the mislabeling may have been intentional, it seems unlikely given the outrageous nature of such deliberate inaccuracies.
The timing of this controversy is unfortunate, as it comes on the eve of Black History Month. Target and the book’s publisher are facing criticism for the oversight and lack of quality control. TMZ has reached out to both Target and Bendon for further comment, but there has been no response so far.