Rev. Jamal Bryant, a prominent Atlanta megachurch pastor, is leading a 40-day boycott of Target in response to the company abandoning its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies following President Donald Trump’s return to office. The boycott, referred to as the “Target fast,” coincides with the Christian observance of Lent. Bryant argues that Target, headquartered in Minneapolis where George Floyd was killed in 2020, dishonored commitments made during racial reckoning pledges, including increasing its Black workforce by 20%. While some business owners like Melissa Butler of The Lip Bar express concerns about the boycott impacting Black-owned brands in Target, Bryant emphasizes the necessity of the movement despite inconveniences. He suggests alternative retailers for consumers to support Black-owned businesses. The campaign highlights the broader political climate where diversity initiatives have become a contentious issue under Trump’s administration. — news from HuffPost
