Black Press, Shoppers Turn Up Heat on Target

June 19, 2025

Target has experienced four consecutive months of declining foot traffic following its retreat from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives announced in January 2024. The retail chain ended anti-racism training, stopped promoting Black-owned businesses, and abandoned several other DEI commitments, triggering immediate backlash from civil rights organizations and Black consumers. This decision has had measurable financial consequences, with Target reporting a 3.

Who is affected

Black consumers and Black-owned businesses
Target's employees and customers
Target as a corporation (declining foot traffic, sales, and reputation)
Target's competitors like Walmart and Costco (who are gaining ground)
Civil rights groups like the NAACP
The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and Black-owned media
Black-owned businesses that were previously promoted by Target

What action is being taken

The NNPA is running a selective buying and public education campaign
Rev. Jamal Bryant's "Target Fast" has attracted nearly 200,000 supporters
The NAACP has issued a consumer advisory about Target's broken promises
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and the NNPA are attempting to communicate with Target's CEO and intensifying efforts to resolve the issue
Black consumers are "speaking with their dollars" by avoiding Target stores

Why it matters

Target's decision represents a retreat from commitments to racial justice and equity
The timing of Target's DEI reversal was seen as particularly harmful and "a slap in the face"
The situation highlights the business consequences of abandoning diversity initiatives
The company's performance metrics show clear financial impacts, with declining sales and foot traffic
Target's reputation has suffered significant damage, with drops in Integrity and Leadership Scores from 65 to 58
The situation demonstrates the economic power of Black consumers (estimated at 50 million across the nation)

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint