Walmart is one of the top places where African-American consumers shop, but that’s not stopping the retail giant from pulling products from their website deemed “offensive.”
After receiving a letter from the president of the national Fraternal Order of Police, the country’s largest police organization, on Tuesday, Walmart discontinued the sales of t-shirts and sweatshirts which say “Black Lives Matter” and “Bulletproof” on their website.
“I wanted to let you know that my members are reporting that Walmart is selling this offensive merchandise. I understand that these are third-party sales and not Walmart products, but I am concerned that allowing these articles of clothing to be sold in this way will damage your company’s good name amongst FOP members and other active and retired law enforcement officers,” FOP National President Chuck Canterbury wrote.
“At a time of year when we as a nation and indeed, as a world, should be coming together in hopes of peace on Earth and goodwill toward men, these third-party sellers are profiting from racial division. Commercializing our differences will not help our local police and communities to build greater trust and respect for one another. Turning a buck on strained relationships will not contribute to the healing process,” he added.
The products are being sold by a third party company name Old Glory Merchandise, a music and entertainment apparel dealer out of Connecticut.
Wal-Mart took swift action following the statement, blocking customers from purchasing clothing items containing the phrase “BULLETPROOF” above the words “Black Lives Matter” as of Wednesday morning.
Back in October (2016), Sevyn Streeter was told she wasn’t allowed to sing the National Anthem at the season-opening game for the Philly 76ers because she wore a jersey that read “We Matter.” On Friday (Dec. 16), she was brought back to sing during the 76ers vs. Los Angeles Lakers game proudly rocking her “We Matter” jersey
Black Lives Matter, which calls for the equal treatment of African Americans as White Americans is seen as offensive by many in law enforcement.
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