Target’s Black History Month Book That Misidentified Civil Rights Leaders Pulled After Black Teacher’s Viral TikTok

Target has pulled a Black History Month magnetic learning activity book that misidentified civil rights leaders from its shelves. A Black history teacher pointed out the errors in a now-viral TikTok. 

Las Vegas teacher Tierra Espy went to TikTok to announce she bought the Civil Rights Magnetic Learning Activity Kit for her children during Black History Month.

The magnetic activity book featured 26 magnets and informational cards featuring illustrations of Black leaders and slogans from the civil rights movement.

However, Espy pointed out on TikTok that the book mixes up the images and names of Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Carter G. Woodson.

The TikTok Video Concerns

Espy said the book was available in Target’s Dollar Spot section, the prominent display at the front of the store where most items are priced between $1 and $5.

The magnetic book was next to other educational items for Black History Month.

“I don’t know who is in charge at Target, but these need to be pulled off the shelves like immediately,” she said in the video. 

“This is not W.E.B. Du Bois,” she said, pointing to an image labeled with his name. “This is Booker T. Washington.”

Her TikTok, posted last Tuesday, now has almost 900,000 views.

“They’re expecting us not to notice the mistakes, and it’s heartbreaking as somebody who knows the mistakes and has seen it,” Espy told CNN.

The product was made by manufacturer Bendon, which did not respond to a request for comment.

Target has now announced that the book has been removed from its shelves.

In a statement, Target said it “will no longer be selling this product in stores or online. We’ve also ensured the product’s publisher is aware of the errors.”