Target has withdrawn a set of educational magnets from its stores that mislabeled three prominent African American historical figures. The errors were brought to light in a TikTok video. The magnets, part of a “Civil Rights Magnetic Learning Activity” kit, contained mislabeled figures, including a magnet supposed to depict Carter G. Woodson that actually depicted W.E.B. DuBois. The accompanying cards also bore misidentifications of Booker T. Washington, among others. Target has since announced that it will no longer sell the misleading kit either online or in its stores.
The mislabeling of the magnets was first brought to light by a history teacher named Tierra Espy, who shared her discovery in a TikTok video. She had purchased the kit for her children as a Black History Month educational tool, only to find the errors. Speaking in a subsequent interview, Ms. Espy expressed her concern that so many levels of review had failed to detect the discrepancies. Bendon Publishing, the kits publisher, has not commented on the matter. This incident comes in the context of the tragic impact of historical misrepresentations and stereotypes on the lives of Black people in the United States.
The significance of this event is heightened by the context of Black History Month, an important moment to celebrate, acknowledge, and educate on the vital contributions of Black Americans to the country’s history. A time that began as “Negro History and Literature Week,” before being officially recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976. The push for a more authentic, inclusive representation of African American history is essential in educating and promoting the cultural heritage of the United States. Target’s commitment to pulling the deceptive kit from its stores is a step towards ensuring that Black histories are honored and taught accurately.