NEWS BIT: BLACK HISTORY MONTH AD CAUSES A STIR
Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Acme Markets’ recent Black History Month circular has sparked quite the debate. The company has run the advertisement for seven years and says there has never been an issue before, but the ad is now being called racist.
Products advertised include corn bread, collard greens and grape soda. The Delaware chapter of the NAACP says more than 100 people have complained that the products perpetuate stereotypes: “It’s racist, it’s insensitive, it’s not culturally correct. Don’t assume that to celebrate Black History Month that we must have corn bread. Whoever put this ad together thought it’d be a good joke,” said Delaware NAACP President Cecil C. Wilson who demands Acme run a full-page apology in “all of Delaware’s newspapers”.
In a statement from Acme, the company said the advertisement was designed to highlight Black History Month and many of the items are products supplied through the company’s “supplier diversity program”.
“For example, Glory Foods, an African American-owned manufacturer, is featured with four of its products because it is our way of supporting and strengthening their brand with added exposure during the month of February,” the statement said.
Wilson also said Acme shouldn’t be discounting any foods specifically because it’s Black History Month. In Colonial times, slave owners would discard the remains of butchered hogs, and slaves would cook and season those parts, such as chitterlings and feet, into delicacies. The Acme ad took on a similar theme, Wilson said, by discounting Acme soda and maple syrup instead of the brand-name counterparts.
“This whole thing is cheapo,” he said. “All the products on sale are typically low-grade products that they have to clean off the shelves. I don’t know what their motive is, but it still reeks with suspicion.” [SOURCE]








115 Comments
COMMENT PAGES: [1] 2 » Show All
1.
NativeNYker
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Sounds like a bunch of folks looking to make a mountain out of a molehill
2.
mybusinessnotyours
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
wow…
black people….get the hell over it lol
seriously
this comes off as if we’re ashamed of our culture (cornbread etc)
man get over it….please
and yes i’m black
3.
Brittney
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
UMMMMMMMM….I DON’T KNOW ABOUT THIS ONE…
4.
My V-O-T-E mattered
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
I’m with number 1 on this one.
5.
FBayaba
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Are you freaking serious? When will NAACP start fighting real issues? Everyone knows that food is one of the central parts of Black American culture. Why is it wrong for them to capitalize on that aspect during Black History Month??? Geez…
6.
MeMyself&I
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Well now that we have our President - the first African American in office I’m sure a lot of stories like this will become public.
But it is demeaning and downgrading. Black people will never and can never get over the 400+ years of slavery or the demonstrable effect that it still lingers.
It was not challenged for 6 years b/c Blacks have become complacent with their ’stature” in society or they just gave up the fight.
I’m sure you wouldnt see an ad like this during ramadan or the jewish holidays
7.
Please.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
This is not worth a fight. Let it go. We all know we like cornbread and grape soda.
CHILL.
8.
FBayaba
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
MeMyself&I you are wrong. You do see Jewish-food items in circulars and discounted during their special holidays when they can only eat certain foods.
9.
Coffeebrown
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Funny how there are no healthy foods included in this sale. And since when was grape soda and tacos Black items?!?!?!? It does smack of racism!!!
10.
My V-O-T-E mattered
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Just a side note: Glory collard grens are off the chain!!
My two cents, carry on folks.
11.
Poboi
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Maybe they were trying to encourage support of black owned businesses? Hell, I don’t know. Get over it NAACP.
12.
bsb1216
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
This just seems ridiculous. I mean we do eat this stuff and why not highlight black owned products. There are so many more seriously racial issues that are actually worth fighting about, and fight like these detract from the true issues. Waste of time and resources even stirring up this controversy. Who cares? And better yet who even shops at Acme?
13.
oatsuzn
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
I had to laugh at this.
14.
cocacola72284
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
I’m sorry but I can’t help but laugh at this! There are plenty other things people, black people, need to be worried about. And, those are some pretty good deals on those items, so what is the issue??
15.
Juicy SuperStar
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Well I must disagree with most. I think this ad is wrong and offensive. Its not funny at all nor is it a tribute to black people…
Its not a huge issue, and I agree the NAACP has other things it could be fighting but I would want the ad taken out of circulation. Do they promote Asparagus and Green Bean Casserole on Christopher Columbus day. What about Lamb and Hammas on Jewish Holidays. Yucca and Plantains on Cinco De Mayo ….
16.
Simpylovely
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Okay this is the dumbest thing I ever seen and heard! Whoever came up with this idea are idiots and should get fired because they clearly don’t know what the customer wants, and frankly doesn’t care about their customers in this case.
17.
Coffeebrown
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
They do have sales like this during the Jewish holidays but that is because their holidays involve certain dietary restrictions (and eating certain foods). I have NEVER heard of Black people restricting their diets to so-called “Black” foods during Black History Month - this is quite a stretch. And grape soda is NOT a Black food/staple (grape Kool-Aid maybe) - I’m just saying…………
18.
Wissy
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Im gonna need them to build a bridge and get over it, …what the hell is this going to prove, in this day and age if people are still stereotyping..thats their own damn problem….Advertisement is Advertisement
19.
Danny
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Yeah….kinda racist.
20.
myopia
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
They could have left out the grape soda. But really not that much different when grocery stores have special advertisements for Jewish holidays.
21.
samjoesyson
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Where is dat store located bcuz I need sum hotsauce, grapesoda n cornbread n they cheap 2 sign me up…Do they have a location n miami?69cent soda can’t beat dat…
22.
MANDY
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
This shit is just as stupid as the CVS flyer with the hair relaxers, JAM, and other cheap ass hair cair products they had on sale last year. I was like WTF? Black history month special, buy one relaxer get the other for half off ? Wow. Crackers are so funny.
23.
Saba
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
I can see how this could be seen as racist, but i don’t think it was intentional especially when this ad has been running for years. When i first saw the headline, looked at the add and i couldn’t figure out what was wrong to be honest.
24.
Hollywood Blackout
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
LMAO.
This sale actually looks decent - Lawry’s Season Salt for $1 each?! I am there.
I also see “Ole Tacos” advertised which means that they probably were trying to promote “diverse” food suppliers. Black people can’t have it both ways, either you’re for race-based preferences or you’re against it. We can’t pick and choose, especially when we can barely get together to run a successful business.
I bet this same NAACP chapter has pushed for “diversity” programs and initiatives and threatened to sue those who didn’t comply.
I am so sick of these civil rights old guard do-nothing idiots.
25.
MANDY
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
^^^wow ,hair care
26.
Can't Find The Words..
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
CCan someone please explain how this is racist?! These things are a part of our culture! I really don’t see what the big deal is.
27.
myopia
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Hold up! Lawry’s seasoning salt 10 for 10 dollars! That’s a good deal.
28.
Sayanything
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
In the ad they also have orange soda. That is A whole lot of cornbread on sale! Freshly mande and Jiffy! WoW! I don’t see any Jerri Curl Juice or kool aid, chitterlings, fat backs?? so I don’t see a real problem? I’m sure for Cinco de Mayo they spotlight Goya products and for Chinese New Year they do the same for that demographic. I highly doubt Latinos and Asians would consider it racist.
29.
Juicy SuperStar
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
I have a question not trying to argue or debate Im just wondering….
Where do we as consumers and black people draw the line? Is it that Some things that are a little racist are ok but big racist things are not.???? Would it be ok to have a man in blackface on the ad because it shows us a part of our history and where we have come from?
Is it ok to stereotype anyone???
If they do this for every race its still wrong. If I saw an ad filled with Taco’s, Beans and Plantains for a spanish holiday it would still be wrong IMO…
I do agree its not that big of a deal but that dont make it right…
30.
shagginabit
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
This ain’t isn’t racist. The NAACP needs to find something better to do. Hell, they have ads like this all the time in Texas during Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Heritage month and I don’t see them complaining. It’s not that big of a deal.
31.
shagginabit
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
*ad*
sorry, got too quick with the typing for a minute.
32.
tjack25
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
OMG!!! We quick to call somebody or something racist when it deals with stereotypes. When truthfully stereotypes are nothing but what the majority of any group of people do, not everyone but the majority.
And yall can pretend if you want to, but black people do like cornbread, greens, and hot sauce!! So if it were Welches grape soda instead of generic would they be satisfied?? GTFOOH with this nonsense
33.
tee
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
i swear we black pple be taking things too far
34.
tjack25
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
@ #10
Lol… yes they are! They don’t even taste like they are from the can.
35.
secret
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Why black folks always getting mad at stupid stuff. The only reason they making a big fuss out of it is because our President is black. Instead of them realizing that they are running products made by black people for the black people, they see it as racist. At one point we could only get ads about the things that we are doing wrong like violence, and stealing etc… now people out here trying to make a dollar and they still tripping. i wish that store was around my way cause i would be in there racking up on most of that stuff, because my family loves it and it’s on sale.
36.
I AM BLACK
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
The NAACP need to address the racism going on in the education system and why so many black children are placed in “special ed” when nothing is wrong with their brains it is just that the teachers do not want to nor know how to deal with bad behavior.
And, I can guarantee you there is grape soda, cornbread, and collard greens served at many a table on a daily basis with no-one complaining while they are putting it in their mouth…not a stereotype but a truth…
Let’s move forward people and stop making mountains out of mole hills if I were ACME I would not apologize. I am Black and Southern.
37.
the floacist
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Oh give me a break already!!
If we had an Italian heritage month and they advertised spaghetti and pizza, you think anyone would be complaining? Or Dominican (and other West Indian ethnicity) heritage month, and advertised platanos and sugarcane? Food, as well as music, dance, fashion, etc. are apart of your culture.
girl bew.
38.
BarbaraB
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Can’t be mad at them for knowing the market. Somebody is on point. Seriously though the NAACP could really focus on something like education instead of silly things like this. Especially since there will be a gang of people taking advantage of this sale.
39.
BarbaraB
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
But damn, I do want to know which one of yall niggas let out the secret about smoked sausage.
40.
Melody
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Looks to me like they are just promoting african-american food retailers (sans the tacos and sodas) which I don’t see a problem with. Aside from the fact that this is probably one small section of the shopping circular, it may have gone unnoticed had they put the “Celebrate Black History Month” ad on a different page. With that ad sitting right next to the collard greens and cornbread, it leaves the door wide open for just this type of drama. Oh well-I’ll be at Acme tonight anyway…
41.
Who Me?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
What is the big bang deal? The ad has been running for 7 years now!!! Let it go!
42.
Hollywood Blackout
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
@#39
LMAO! I was just wondering who let white people know that we like smoked sausage on the low. LOL.
43.
Who Me?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
-dang-
44.
Science
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
This is too funny… It might be a stereotype, but how many black people are saving hella money this month because of this? As much as we hate to think of ourselves as liking soul food, we still like it. I look at this ad and most of this stuff is in my cabinet - Thats just the real. I think if it was meant maliciously, then the joke is on them because I’m the one saving money.
Chinese people eat chinese food, Japanese people eat sushi - so do black and latino people and vice versa. I’m sure there are japanese people somewhere who hate sushi - do you think they’d be mad if someone offered them a piece? This is America so we are gonna have to learn how to communicate with one another. If this is offensive to you, then maybe you should look at you and figure out why you’re upset?
This is funny because if “Black History Month” wasn’t printed at the top, no one would have noticed and everyone would have gotten what they wanted.
45.
Where is da love
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
But on the other hand i see it as being wrong only because black history month isnt actually a holiday.. i mean we have it to celebrate the triumphs that civil rights leaders and others did that paved the way to where we are now as a culture….
soo noow idk lol.. i guess i see it both wayszz… oh welllsz..
46.
SATC
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
I appreciate that they are highlighting black owned food companies during BHM. The fact that someone says the products are “low grade” speaks to the larger issue of AA’s not supporting their own.
47.
Thicky
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
*****Hmm well I for one love corn bread, greens, and fried chicken, that sounds like a
winning meal to me!! Lawry’s seasoned salt is about $3.69 for a medium sized
container out here in AZ. These people should be running not walking to this
store. I sure would. Xoxo Thicky
48.
Who Me?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
@ 44-Science
True That!!
49.
too hott
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
BLACK PEOPLE LETS GROW UP. AND GET AWAY FROM ALL THIS PETTY STUFF. LIFE IS TOO SHORT ENJOY IT.
50.
Brittany
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
I think folks are making something out of nothing. I mean if this were racist, shouldn’t Christians be offended when circulars come out promoting Christmas sales?
51.
chloe
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
well acme is a food market so I guess they would put food on thiei ad… it would be dumb for them to put rims or grills on it!1
52.
dukesman2000
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
——ShopRite got better deals on the grape sodas.
53.
Nichole
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Okay, I looked at the ad, and yes… it does seem somewhat offensive. I work for a major retailer and in our store’s black history month ad, we dont have certain products singled out. We have pictures of people from history (i.e- Madam C. J. Walker, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Dr. Maya Angelou, Ernest Green, Dr. Charles Drew, Rosa Parks, Pres. Obama & family, and others). We even have a table that I worked dearly hard on portraying important African Americans from the past and present & children that have dreams to make history in the future. We even have a art, poetry, and writting contest that rewards students with scholarships, trips to the civil rights museums in Memphis… you know isomething that makes you stop, research, think, and learn. And then to hear the smaller kids say, “I know who that is…” or “I want to be just like them when I grow up.”… It’s refreshing!
I hate it when retailers think that they can just offer you cornbread & greens and think that is enough to cover Black History Month. It’s just like (the competition who will remain nameless as we call them…lol) and the Christmas ad’s where they were targeting minorities… esp. that ad where at the end, the woman says: “Save money, live better guurl” and they had her popping her kneck and it was like you could tell she was scripted to speak in such slang. They later edited to just say “Save money, live better.”
But to sum it all up, I dont know if that is something that the NAACP should address, but I think it could’ve been handled on a personal level ( where all those people that just went straight to the NAACP could’ve made a petition and sent it to corporate offices).
Have a Great Day!!!
54.
JYOUS1
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
T======== THIS IS SO FREAKIN RIDICULOUS! I LIVE IN CALI AND WHEN IT
========= IS CINCO DE MAYO- YA BEST BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE
========= TAPATIA SAUCE, ENCHILADA SAUCE, CORONAS AND TEQUILA
========= ON SALE. SHOULD THEY BOYCOTT TOO?
========= GET OVER IT PEOPLE! HELL, I WANT SOME DAMN CORNBREAD!!
=
55.
Kay Kay
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
My first reaction is what store is this so I can get me 10 Lawry’s for $10. That is a steal!!! They need to stop. At least they are aknowledging black history month. So I guess the cooks at my job’s cafeteria should be criticized for offering a menu of food of certain foods that African Americans( I should say southern, because not all African American people eat collards, chitlings etc) NAACP stop it and pick your battles. This is not a big deal. I didn’t know grape soda was a stereotype drink. I thought it was Kool-Aid…Red? LOL.
56.
Kyle
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
These people fail to see the difference between what is racist and what is cliché. It’s so disturbing to see the NAACP making a fuss about this. They claim to be defending us African descendants against racism. However, they see racism in everything. Personally, I take offense to the NAACP still defending ‘coloureds’. I AM BLACK.
When French people have a French sale, don’t they place discounts on wine and cheese? Is that racist? No, it’s cliché and there’s nothing wrong with that.
I’m really disappointed with the NAACP!
57.
LadyT
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
I can understand where the NAACP is coming from one this one…but shouldn’t they be attending to more important things like making sure there is justice in the Oscar Grant case…I mean seriously I can’t get that offended by the ad myself because I eat cornbread and collard greens and I am damn proud of it. Southern Gurl!
58.
missteejay
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
**********THIS IS OFF THE SUBJECT—-CL WEBMASTERS, PLEASE FIX YOUR
**********GRAPHICS ON THIS PAGE. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING TO NOT BE ABLE
**********TO READ THIS PAGE WITH MOST OF THE LEFT SIDE BEING CUT OFF.
59.
Nichole
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
@ #29 Juicy Superstar—
I think people knowing and teaching others whats right is right is when you know how to draw the line. @ work, I’ve had to deal with the sly remarks of others:
This lady walks up to me while I’m working on my display table and says, “Oh, Black History Month is a whole month?” Do you know how much I had to maintain customer service mode??? Lol! What I wanted to say prob would’ve been much harsh, but I replied, “Yes it is a full 28 days of honoring those before my time. There is so much to learn, I wish Black History Month could be something required to learn.” That just made her face red.
60.
yumyo (3 week old bebe)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Why would you shop at a store that’s named Acme anyways? If you recall those Looney Toon episodes where Wile E. Coyote always uses an Acme product that always seem to backfire.
Take it from the ‘toons to give you a heads up.
61.
YaChi
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
There are some people with too much time on their freaking hands. Screaming “racism” at every stupid implied slight is why some people don’t pay us any attention when the real thing does happen.
What a waste of time and CL a waste of space………..sheesh.
62.
MeMyself&I
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
@FYBay - DO YOU SEE PICS OF THEIR RABBI’S ON SALE TOO??
GUESS NOT SO WHO IS WRONG????
63.
Carlyle
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
the NAACP needs some young blood. i mean c’mon now. these same ppl know they’ll be at the next funeral at the church chompin down on some cornbread and glory collards. they may as well save that money for the building fund. they ought to be thanking acme for the sale!
64.
Q*U*E*E*N
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
too funny
65.
lol
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
YES LOVE BLACK PEOPLE & IM PROUD TO BE BLACK, BUT I DONT THINK THIS IS RACIST..ITS FOOD THAT THEY ARE WELL AWARE THAT BLACK PEOPLE ENJOY EATING..NOW IF IT WAS MOSTLY MEXICAN FOOD , BLACKS WOULD BE COMPLAINING ABOUT THAT, BECAUSE WE ARENT MEXICAN..LOL..BUT NAACP IS COMPLAINING ABOUT “STUPID SHIT”..REALLY, WE HAVE MORE PROBLEMS AMONGST EACH OTHER THAT NEED TO BE HANDLED!!
66.
Wayne
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
It’s Grape Drank
they dont sell that shit
67.
D.Bell
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
There is the place in Pittsburgh called save-a-lot. They are located in primarily urban neighborhoods. Its strange because they will put fresh collard greens right next to hamhocks. They sell really sugary drinks, chips for cheap, and all that other stuff. There is a thin line between racists and catering to the community. People around there drink that stuff. Its not a reflection on them. It’s the same as when I go to the grocery store and they stop selling low-fat dinners. People are not eating them so they won’t sell them. They sell what people buy. The NAACP needs to focus on real issues. But I am hot they have grape soda though.
68.
ashleighTDOT
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
I think that some people at NAACP are mad because they went grocery shopping BEFORE the sale flyer came out. could’ve saved some SERIOUS money.
i know i get upset when i go shopping only to find out that i could have saved 5 dollars on a bagg of rice if i waited just ONE more day. that gets me sooo burned. LOL
69.
BRITTANYBEAUTY
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
i love cornbread
70.
thickems
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
——- LOL @ grape soda —– sorry to whomever find the circular to be offensive……
71.
MONRAEA
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
You know Black America, it is good that we have a black president, but your taking things way out of context. How do you not know that these ads weren’t based off of a survey. You do know there are survey’s? If they don’t have the “black face” you should fall back. Stop playing the racist card all the time. I’m not saying that racism is fine is fine, cause definetly not. Nor do I think that it should be over looked even if something has been over looked for years. But this ad is fine.
72.
martinalutherking
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
Anyone in here who acts like they don’t love cornbread is a damn fool and a liar. I see nothing wrong w/ this ad, I’m one to jump on a racist bandwagon but this one ain’t it.
73.
Nurse Chick
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
OK……NO OFFENSE BUT SO WHAT???
I am Carribean why do some african americans have to make a BIG deal out of everything,
So what if African americans like fried Chicken and Corn bread? IT TASTES GOOD!! is that so embarresing?
CARRIBEAN people love: Jerk Chicken, Curry goat ,oxtails red beans and rice , plantains, and beef patty’s!!!
Italians love Spagetti, Lasagna, Chicken parmasan, olive oil and pizza,
Latino’s love: Arroz con pollo, plaintains, Cuban sandwiches,
Mexicans love: Taco’s, burrito’s
Jewish people love: Matze Balls
Asians love: Noodles , fried rice.
Texans love: BBQ and Chilli,
British love: Fish and chips:
Indians love: Curry chicken.
Germans love: sauerkraut potatoes and bradworst or smoked sausage
French love : crossants and french union soup.
GET OVER IT AFRICAN AMERICANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE ALL LOVE A CERTAIN FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SOOOO WHAT IF THEY SAY U EAT FRIED CHICKEN AND WATERMELONS?? iTS GOOOD, ITS NOT LIKE YOU EATIN POOP.
74.
strange....... but true
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
this is nothing but the devils backlash. all the years of my exsistence there have been persons of the other ilk that has caused us as a race/or black folks to constantly preoccupied about race issues. ‘they are in our head’. its going to have to come a time when us folks are going to have to face the FACT that there’s a segment of colored people of the other shade that hate our guts. the descendants of the tribe the bears the name of CAIN. most of them are republicans and are cacuasians now not all white folks fit in this category iam just talking to the ones that IF THE SHOE FITS. now mind you there are some black folks too that fit the bill. these are the dark-shaded descendants of cain. they are the ones that are calling for the end of black history month and saying that martin l. kings dream is fullfilled. these are the folks you better keep your eye on. its in their genes, massur is been doing alright by me is what they are claim’n. like the jews stated ‘we will never forget’ about their holocaust. now some blacks are ready to throw in the towel because there is a black prez. thinking race issues are behind us. thats them iam doing alright negro’s talk’n. you can follow them sheep’s in wolves clothing if you want. but i feel its only just begun and you can NEVER turn the lights out on black history.
75.
hood_shit
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
I think they taking this too far…. they crying wolf man and that messes it up when REAL shit pops off!
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