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Sharpton Presses Target and PepsiCo Over DEI Retreats as NAN Mulls Boycotts

April 18, 2025

Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network (NAN) are considering boycotts against companies that have retreated from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments. Sharpton recently met with Target CEO Brian Cornell and PepsiCo executives to discuss concerns about their DEI rollbacks.

Who is affected

  • Black consumers and communities
  • Target Corporation and its shareholders
  • PepsiCo Corporation
  • The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and the Black Press
  • Companies that have backed down from DEI commitments
  • Target employees (implied through DEI program changes)

What action is being taken

  • Rev. Al Sharpton is holding meetings with corporate executives, including Target CEO Brian Cornell and PepsiCo leadership
  • Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant is organizing a widely supported "TargetFast" boycott
  • The National Action Network is considering boycotts or "buycotts" against companies retreating from DEI programs
  • The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is conducting a public education and selective buying campaign
  • Sharpton is consulting with the NAN board to determine next steps

Why it matters

  • Target has experienced significant declines in foot traffic (9% in February, 6.5% in March) while competitors maintained or increased their traffic
  • PepsiCo reportedly rolled back nearly $500 million in DEI commitments
  • The actions represent a response to corporate retreat from diversity initiatives under pressure from Donald Trump and far-right groups
  • There are concerns about Sharpton not involving Rev. Dr. Bryant or the NNPA in discussions with corporations
  • These corporate DEI decisions affect advertising support for the Black Press and broader economic equity for African Americans

What's next

  • Sharpton plans to consult with the NAN board over the Easter holiday before determining specific actions against Target, PepsiCo, or other companies that have retreated from DEI commitments, with Sharpton stating, "Now comes the moment to decide what happens next."

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