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‘We’re Not Going Back’ Black Churches Confront Target

May 28, 2025

On the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder, Reverend Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant organized a nationwide prayer protest against Target for scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Dozens of churches participated in 9-minute and 40-second demonstrations outside Target stores, representing the time Floyd was pinned down by police. Target had previously pledged $2 billion toward DEI efforts following Floyd's death but has since phased out programs aimed at increasing Black representation and supporting Black-owned brands, claiming these changes were part of a planned three-year cycle.

Who is affected

  • Black-owned brands and businesses
  • Black workers who would have benefited from increased representation initiatives
  • Black-owned media outlets, specifically Black-owned newspapers
  • Target's business operations and financial performance
  • Target's customers and stakeholders
  • Church communities participating in the protest
  • National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

What action is being taken

  • Reverend Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant is leading national prayer protests at Target stores
  • 67 churches are participating in demonstrations lasting nine minutes and 40 seconds
  • Protesters are demanding accountability from Target regarding its DEI commitments
  • The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is expressing solidarity with the protests
  • Civil rights leaders are engaging with Target's leadership, as evidenced by Rev. Al Sharpton's meeting with CEO Brian Cornell
  • Target is implementing internal leadership changes and establishing a new acceleration office

Why it matters

  • The protests highlight perceived corporate backtracking on racial equity commitments made after George Floyd's murder
  • Target's decision represents a broader trend of companies retreating from diversity initiatives
  • The demonstrations connect economic justice to racial justice through consumer activism
  • The rollback affects economic opportunities for Black-owned businesses and professionals
  • Target's response to these protests could influence other corporations' approaches to DEI
  • The conflict illustrates tensions between corporate financial decisions and social responsibility commitments

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

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