NEW YORK (AP) — Target’s CEO, Brian Cornell, met with Reverend Al Sharpton, a prominent civil rights activist, to discuss the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Sharpton described the meeting as ‘very constructive and candid.’ Accompanied by National Action Network (NAN) representatives, Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson and Carra Wallace, the discussion took place at NAN’s New York headquarters. Sharpton plans to share the outcomes with allies, including Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, who organized a 40-day boycott against Target. This boycott, initiated during Lent, was supported by various faith leaders. Target is one of several major corporations, including Walmart and PepsiCo, that have scaled back DEI programs. President Donald Trump has also taken steps to eliminate such initiatives within the federal government and warned schools against continuing them. Following the meeting, Sharpton intends to consult NAN’s board members over the Easter holiday to decide further actions regarding companies that have reduced their DEI commitments. Target announced earlier this year that it would conclude its DEI goals, which included increasing Black employee representation and promoting Black-owned businesses. The company also plans to stop participating in external diversity surveys. — new from AP News
