A growing number of Black consumers are boycotting prominent retailers, including Target, Walmart, McDonald’s, and Amazon, in response to their decision to scale back or abandon diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The boycotts come after the companies announced plans to reduce or eliminate DEI programs, citing pressure from conservatives and a shift in the political landscape. This move has sparked outrage among many Black consumers, who feel that these companies are turning their backs on the community.
NBC News spoke with nearly two dozen Black individuals across the country, who expressed their disappointment and frustration with the companies’ decisions. Many of these consumers have vowed to take their business elsewhere, opting to support Black-owned businesses and local retailers instead.
Experts say that the collective purchasing power of Black Americans, estimated to be over $1.3 trillion annually, could have a significant impact on the companies’ bottom line if the boycotts are sustained.
However, economists also note that for the boycotts to be effective, they will need to be supported by other communities and maintained over time.