But not everyone is pleased with some of the items included in the campaign.
A viral tweet on Thursday mocking the campaign pointed out that some of the T-shirts included in the collection were considered problematic by people on social media. The shirts featured phrases used within the Black community, like “ha! tried” and “err thing blk.” Another shirt had the crossed-out phrase “Angry Black Woman.”
“Target’s black history month collection has me weak. I blame y’all,” read the tweet, which included screenshots of some of the shirts featured in the retailer’s Black History Month collection.
Hundreds of people responded to the tweet, and many of them were particularly disturbed by one T-shirt that was stamped with the slogan “Eat Your Greens.”
“What tf is this? Why did they approve this s**t? What made them think this was a good idea? Yo, I got so many questions,” one person tweeted.
Some people defended the product line, noting that the T-shirts were made by Black business owners. But others were upset that Target incorporated what they considered hurtful stereotypes into the collection, even if certain words and phrases inscribed on the shirts were struck over.
“You can spotlight black people without pointing out our pain, suffering and stereotypes,” one person wrote on Twitter.
Target launched the collection on Monday, announcing its plans to push products from Black-owned businesses, including ROSEN Skincare, McBride Sisters Wines and Fresh Pawz, among others.
In a statement, Target said, “Now in its sixth year, this exclusive collection features apparel, accessories and more made by and for the Black community. And we’re not just celebrating this month: The Black History Month collection is just one piece of Target’s Black Beyond Measure campaign, our platform focused on celebrating Black life every day of the year as part of our ongoing commitment to support and uplift the Black community.”
The company’s in-house design team worked with up-and-coming Black designers from historically Black colleges and universities for some of the products featured in the 2021 collection, the statement said.
Newsweek reached out to Target for comment but did not hear back before publication.