Minneapolis, Minnesota (The Adobo Chronicles) – Target, one of the nation’s big box stores, just launched a new girls’ clothing line that it is calling Annie for Target.

The launch was perfectly timed with the showing of the film, Annie in theaters nationwide.  The film stars black actress Quvenzhané Wallis in the title role.

In celebration of the iconic story, Target partnered with Sony Pictures’ “Annie” costume designer, Renée Ehrlich Kalfus, on a collection of girl’s apparel and accessories that captures the essence of the movie’s spirited characters.

There was one big problem:  all the models used in the Target ads were white.

There is speculation on social media that Target refused to use black models for fear that its clothing line will not be patronized by consumers who are upset that the film stars a black instead of Caucasian actress.

Although the Annie character is fictitious, many Americans had always envisioned a white girl playing the role, just like on Broadway and in musical theaters worldwide.

In a statement issued today, Target said “this is not about race” as it prepared to launch another clothing line for adult women, Selma for Target. Its promo ads also features all Caucasian women, and is being launched in connection with the current theater run of another film, Selma, about the legendary Martin Luther King.