Target is facing new protests as a significant anniversary draws national attention
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On Saturday, May 25, a coordinated protest will focus on Target, one of the country’s largest retailers.
Led by Black faith leaders and civil rights advocates, the action urges the company to follow through on earlier diversity and inclusion commitments.
With churches across the country joining in, could this be the start of a larger reckoning for corporate America?
Target pledged a $2 billion investment in Black-owned businesses, media, and DEI initiatives, earning praise from many in the community.
But according to organizers, that momentum has faded.
Now, activists say Target has pulled back on its commitments—and they’re demanding accountability. Pastor Jamal-Harrison Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia, a key leader in the movement, is mobilizing his congregation and 67 other churches to protest outside Target locations on May 25.
Their goal: to hold Target to its word.
Led by Black faith leaders and civil rights activists, this coordinated action is part of a growing campaign to pressure the Minneapolis-based retail giant to recommit to the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) promises it made in the wake of Floyd’s murder
The organizers, now under the banner of the Target Boycott, have issued four clear demands:
Also read: Boycott begins at Target amid concerns over rising checkout costs
This boycott isn’t happening in a vacuum. It reflects a broader trend of consumer-led activism—where everyday Americans use their spending power to push for social change.
From conservative-led boycotts criticizing “woke” corporations, to progressive protests demanding more inclusive policies, companies like Target are caught in a growing culture war over values, accountability, and representation.
And increasingly, both sides are proving they can influence corporate strategy.
Target leadership maintains it’s still committed to DEI goals. In a recent internal memo, CEO Brian Cornell told employees, “We are still the Target you know and believe in—a company that welcomes all and aims to bring joy to everyone, every day.”
A spokesperson confirmed the retailer plans to fulfill its $2 billion REACH initiative by 2025. However, the company hasn’t confirmed a July 31 deadline requested by protest leaders.
As for the other demands? Target has not issued a public response.
Also read: A massive Amazon boycott is taking place—Why is it happening?
On Saturday at 12 PM ET, protests across the country will begin a silent demonstration outside Target stores. Participants will remain silent for 9 minutes and 40 seconds—the same amount of time former police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck.
Pastor Bryant and fellow organizers are stressing peace and safety. In cities across the US, local pastors will be joined by legal representatives from the National Bar Association to help ensure protestors’ rights are protected.
While Target’s stock price has dipped in recent months, retail analysts say the overall financial impact remains unclear. That said, both conservative and progressive boycotts have successfully pressured brands to revise marketing, policies, and partnerships in recent years.
For activists, the aim is more than just dollars—it’s about corporate accountability and lasting structural change.
Whether or not you shop at Target, this movement raises bigger questions about the role of corporations in social justice.
Should companies be held to their promises? Are consumers right to demand transparency, inclusion, and equity?
Read next: The power of the purse: What’s happening with Nestlé, Target, and Amazon?
Have you ever participated in a boycott? Do you think Target—and other major corporations—should do more to support DEI? Or are you concerned about the growing pressure on businesses from all sides? We want to hear your thoughts. Share your stories and opinions in the comments below—and let’s keep this important conversation going.
Led by Black faith leaders and civil rights advocates, the action urges the company to follow through on earlier diversity and inclusion commitments.
With churches across the country joining in, could this be the start of a larger reckoning for corporate America?
Target pledged a $2 billion investment in Black-owned businesses, media, and DEI initiatives, earning praise from many in the community.
But according to organizers, that momentum has faded.
Now, activists say Target has pulled back on its commitments—and they’re demanding accountability. Pastor Jamal-Harrison Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia, a key leader in the movement, is mobilizing his congregation and 67 other churches to protest outside Target locations on May 25.
Their goal: to hold Target to its word.
Led by Black faith leaders and civil rights activists, this coordinated action is part of a growing campaign to pressure the Minneapolis-based retail giant to recommit to the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) promises it made in the wake of Floyd’s murder
Target is facing new protests as a significant anniversary draws national attention. Image Source: KRON 4 / YouTube
The organizers, now under the banner of the Target Boycott, have issued four clear demands:
- Follow through on the $2 billion pledge
Target promised to invest in Black-owned businesses and media by 2025. Protestors want proof of progress—not just promises. - Deposit $250 million in black-owned banks
This move would help strengthen Black financial institutions and close the racial wealth gap. - Create community retail centers
Activists propose launching centers at 10 historically black colleges and universities to support Black entrepreneurship. - Fully restore DEI programs
Activists want a renewed, company-wide commitment to DEI—from the boardroom to the sales floor.
Also read: Boycott begins at Target amid concerns over rising checkout costs
This boycott isn’t happening in a vacuum. It reflects a broader trend of consumer-led activism—where everyday Americans use their spending power to push for social change.
From conservative-led boycotts criticizing “woke” corporations, to progressive protests demanding more inclusive policies, companies like Target are caught in a growing culture war over values, accountability, and representation.
And increasingly, both sides are proving they can influence corporate strategy.
Target leadership maintains it’s still committed to DEI goals. In a recent internal memo, CEO Brian Cornell told employees, “We are still the Target you know and believe in—a company that welcomes all and aims to bring joy to everyone, every day.”
A spokesperson confirmed the retailer plans to fulfill its $2 billion REACH initiative by 2025. However, the company hasn’t confirmed a July 31 deadline requested by protest leaders.
As for the other demands? Target has not issued a public response.
Also read: A massive Amazon boycott is taking place—Why is it happening?
On Saturday at 12 PM ET, protests across the country will begin a silent demonstration outside Target stores. Participants will remain silent for 9 minutes and 40 seconds—the same amount of time former police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck.
Pastor Bryant and fellow organizers are stressing peace and safety. In cities across the US, local pastors will be joined by legal representatives from the National Bar Association to help ensure protestors’ rights are protected.
While Target’s stock price has dipped in recent months, retail analysts say the overall financial impact remains unclear. That said, both conservative and progressive boycotts have successfully pressured brands to revise marketing, policies, and partnerships in recent years.
For activists, the aim is more than just dollars—it’s about corporate accountability and lasting structural change.
Whether or not you shop at Target, this movement raises bigger questions about the role of corporations in social justice.
Should companies be held to their promises? Are consumers right to demand transparency, inclusion, and equity?
Read next: The power of the purse: What’s happening with Nestlé, Target, and Amazon?
