In Atlanta, a Kroger store sparked outrage by selling Juneteenth-themed cakes with decorations many people called unacceptable. A bakery customer filmed the cakes and posted the video on TikTok.
It quickly went viral and sparked a heated debate. This incident shows how important it is for big stores to handle cultural celebrations with respect and care.
What Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed about the Emancipation Proclamation.
It’s a powerful reminder of freedom and progress, and it’s now a federal holiday in the US. People celebrate with community events, decorations, and special foods. That’s why how businesses mark Juneteenth can mean a lot to many people.
What Happened at Kroger
TikTok user @blaq.monalisa visited the Kroger store on Howell Mill Road in Atlanta. She filmed several cakes and pastries with simple icing messages like “Free” and “Free @ Last.” The decorations looked plain and rushed, not fitting for such an important holiday.
In her video, she said, “This is some bulls–t,” and “Who the hell made this ugly-ass s–t? This is unacceptable.” Her video got over 10 million views and more than 1 million likes, showing how strongly this hit people’s emotions.
Kroger’s Response
After the controversy started, Kroger responded quickly. A spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the cakes and cookies didn’t match Kroger’s quality standards or guidance for holiday displays.
They said the items had already been removed from the store and that the store team was reminded about how to properly handle such products. Kroger also contacted the customer who posted the video to address the situation directly.
Public Reaction
The TikTok video sparked a flood of reactions on social media. Many people were upset and called the decorations disrespectful to Juneteenth. Others supported the TikToker for speaking up.
Some noted that while some stores try hard to celebrate diversity, others seemed to just add a quick label without meaning. Comments included calls for better training and sensitivity from big retailers when it comes to culturally important holidays.
Why This Matters
This event highlights a bigger issue: the importance of understanding and respecting cultural holidays. Juneteenth isn’t just another date on the calendar—it represents freedom, resilience, and national history. When businesses mark it, they need to do so thoughtfully.
Getting awareness and quality right helps build trust and respect between brands and communities. On the flip side, doing it poorly can feel like making light of something deeply meaningful.
The incident at the Kroger store in Atlanta reminds us that celebrating Juneteenth—or any cultural event—needs care, respect, and attention to detail. A decorator’s icing words might seem small, but they can affect how people feel about the holiday.
It’s a lesson for big retailers: training and cultural sensitivity matter. When businesses take time to honor holidays properly, it sends a message of respect and unity. That’s the kind of impact we want to see more often.
