Ya' know, I'm really glad Brotha' Jamal got on board with the Target boycott but I never quite understood what made him think that it was his idea or that he was spokesman for the Black community on this matter.
The beauty of the Target boycott, that we as a community need to embrace, is that it was a grassroot effort launched by independent activists, reportedly in Minnesota. It spread like wildfire on social media.
There was no church, no Pastor, no civil rights organization, none of that, in charge of the movement to boycott Target. At best, they were the Johnny Come Latelys, which is fine, but somehow Pastor Jamal, and maybe some others, took ownership of it. That was never the case.
Earlier this week, Pastor Jamal Bryant announced that the protest against Target was over. The Johnnies' may speak for what is being described as the "Target Fast", that might be over. But no matter what the good pastor and others may say, the Target boycott ain't over. This was not a fast where shopping at Target was to be resumed. Target seems done in the Black community. I am not alone in my intention to never shop at Target ever again. Certainly Target isn't the only retailer or big business that doesn't value it's Black consumer. But Target is the one that got made the example.
Target execs remain unapologetic and steadfast in their support of the trump agenda, having done nothing different when given opportunities to course correct. While under fire for abandoning DEI and Black vendors, they thought it appropriate to allow ICE to use their locations to stage their violent attacks on marginalized communities. Actions speak louder than words. We see you...
Speaking of words, has Target spoken on this deal reached with Brotha' Jamal or is he the sole mouthpiece and presumed "leader" on the details of this matter for the Black community? It is the people who have the last word...
Sorry Brotha' Jamal, we're not going back to Target. You can meet us at Costco...
~ Miss Higgi Says
Thank you to clarify this issue.Victoria
ReplyDeleteAMEN!! When I saw this on some platform I did not believe one word claimed. The “divide and conquer” tactic no longer applies in our community. We’re wide awake and no longer fall for the “spokesman”; who needs to sit down and be silent.
ReplyDeleteI watched the full press conference. Pastor Jamal, activist Tamika D. Mallory (co-founder of Until Freedom), former Ohio State Senator Nina Turner, and Ron Busby Sr. (President/CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers - were the main 4.
ReplyDeleteThey indicated that they had 4 requests for Target to meet. They did all but 1 - and no public apology.
From USA TODAY
1. Honor the $2 billion pledge: Fulfill the commitment to invest $2 billion in Black-owned businesses, products, services, and media buys by the end of 2025.
2. Deposit $250 million in Black-owned banks: Invest $250 million of their capital into 23 Black-owned banks to support entrepreneurship and homeownership.
3. Restore DEI commitments: Fully restore the company's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives (often referred to as "Belonging at the Bullseye").
4. Pipeline centers at 10 HBCUs: Establish retail training centers at 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to train students in retail business.
As of March 2026, Bryant declared the end of the boycott, stating that Target had met three out of the four demands, with the investment in Black-owned banks remaining the outstanding issue. USA Today
So Good job on costing them all the foot traffic and hitting them in their pockets! But they owe Black American an apology - full stop!
I will not shop there! Costco will get those dollars!!!
Thank you for the full story. I was shocked to hear the boycott was over according to them -- who have no dignity. Hope they spend their target paychecks at target!
ReplyDeletePS - he looks like a super ZERO in his target print photo shoot!
ReplyDeleteIn the spirit of the late great Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler, it ain't over 'til the people says it's over!
ReplyDeleteNot when Jamal gets paid!
@misshiggisays Thanks for this!
ReplyDelete