Facebook friend’s in-store photo

All the blood shed during the Civil Rights Movement, all the slaves that built this nation, all the presently discriminated are now being celebrated by Kroger, here in Toledo, OH! This particular Kroger Grocery Store took it upon themselves to celebrate Black History Month with the sale of black hair care products.

Really? This an inappropriate use of corporate muscle to make more money It’s offensive and tactless to assume that this is all it takes to make us happy. I was so offended by this photo (posted by a Facebook friend) that I decided to call that local Kroger store.

I asked a supporting manager if she had seen the display (above). She said that she had. I asked her how long had it been displayed. She wasn’t sure, but she remembered seeing it for at least two Black History Month previous. I asked her if she found it disturbing that Kroger was asking us to celebrate Black History Month by buying hair products.

She paused. This was the first complaint she had heard. Not a direct answer to my question, but I could feel her getting uncomfortable. She suggested that I call the corporate offices 1-800-KROGERS. Of course, on the weekend they’re closed. I wanted her to know that I wasn’t picking a fight with her or anyone at the store itself, but I wanted to know more about the advertisement the store wanted to show to customers.

I will call that corporate number during business hours and ask them why they think this is an appropriate way to celebrate Black History Month. I might also have to start a petition tonight. . .