Black faith leaders are organizing nationwide peaceful protests outside Target stores on May 25 to hold the retail giant accountable for its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The demonstrations come in response to Target’s recent rollback of these efforts.
Pastor Jamal-Harrison Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia announced that his congregation, along with over 60 other churches across the US, will participate in the coordinated effort. Protestors are requested to remain silent for 9 minutes and 40 seconds, which is the exact amount of time George Floyd struggled under David Chauvin’s knee.
In 2020, Target pledged to support the Black community and strengthen its inclusion efforts after Floyd’s death. However, many now feel the company has backtracked on those promises. The boycott group has four key demands from Target:
1. Fulfil the previously announced $2 billion commitment to support Black-owned businesses by continuing to source their products and services.
2. Allocate $250 million to 23 Black-owned banks to help reinforce and grow Black financial institutions.
3. Create retail-focused community hubs at 10 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to provide education and resources for aspiring Black entrepreneurs.
4. Reinstate and strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts throughout all levels of Target’s operations.
A meeting between Rev. Al Sharpton and Bryant with Target CEO Brian Cornell on April 17 resulted in a constructive discussion, but there has been no public confirmation from Target about reinstating the $2 billion pledge or addressing the remaining demands.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/target-faces-nationwide-boycott-on-george-floyd-anniversary-heres-a-list-of-demands-to-the-retail-store-101747591615361.html