Consumers are planning to boycott companies withdrawing from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
This movement emphasizes consumer support for organizations committed to DEI.
- Advocacy groups are calling for boycotts against major corporations to bolster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.
- The initiatives focus on firms that have diminished their DEI programs, including Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
- Organizers aim to illustrate the purchasing influence of consumers backing DEI and urge these companies to restore their initiatives.
- Boycotts are scheduled for the spring and summer seasons.
- Organizations like the National Action Network endorse support for companies such as Costco, which remain committed to DEI initiatives.
After a nationwide 24-hour economic blackout of major corporations, advocacy groups are promoting the idea of voting with dollars.
A weeklong boycott of Nestlé products began on Friday, alongside an ongoing 40-day spending freeze at Target. Moreover, a previous week-long boycott of Amazon occurred in early March.
Upon President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January, efforts commenced to retract diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at the federal level, fostering a broader cultural shift. Consequently, various companies, including Walmart, Lowe’s, and Meta, have eliminated their DEI programs.
Protest organizers primarily target significant brands that have ceased DEI initiatives, aiming to convey that consumers prefer to support brands that champion marginalized groups, including women, minorities, the disabled, and veterans.
The NAACP emphasizes support for Black-owned businesses and those maintaining DEI initiatives.
Here’s what Mississippi consumers should be aware of regarding boycotts at Nestlé and Target, as well as other nationwide movements.
Insights on the Nestlé Boycott
Currently, Nestlé has a DEI page on its website and employs a director focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as reported on LinkedIn.
John Schwarz, the Chicago individual behind the People’s Union USA, provided several reasons for targeting the Swiss firm during a March 17 Instagram video. He referenced concerns about the ongoing use of child labor in chocolate production, as well as the low remuneration Nestlé provides for water, particularly in regions like Flint, Michigan, that require accessible, clean water.
“This isn’t merely another boycott,” asserted Schwarz. “It’s a direct challenge to one of the most corrupt global corporations.”
Brands Owned by Nestlé
Nestlé controls thousands of brands encompassing a vast array of food and healthcare products for families and pets, such as water, coffee, creamer, chocolate, candy, cereal, ice cream, and pet food.
- Acqua Panna mineral water.
- Alpo dog food.
- Bear Brand milk drinks.
- Boost nutrition drinks.
- Carnation dessert sauces, drinks, and powders.
- Cheerios cereal.
- DiGiorno frozen pizza.
- Gerber baby food.
- Hot Pockets snacks.
- Häagen-Dazs ice cream.
- KitKat candy.
- La Vie mineral water.
- Lean Cuisine meals.
- Purina pet food.
- Sanpellegrino water.
- Starbucks Coffee at Home products.
Understanding the 40-day ‘Target Fast’ Boycott
The Target boycott was led by Atlanta Pastor Jamal Bryant and other faith leaders, urging consumers to refrain from shopping at the retail giant for the entirety of Lent. They are also advising investors to divest from Target.
This initiative commenced on Ash Wednesday, March 5, and encourages the public to avoid Target until April 17. Additional details can be found at targetfast.org.
40-day ‘Target Fast’ underway to boycott Target DEI rollbacks
Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant, leading the “Target Fast,” urges Target executives to restore DEI policies, hoping the boycott forces a reversal.
Number of Target Stores in Mississippi
According to its store directory, Target operates in six cities within Mississippi.
Upcoming Boycotts
In addition to the recent boycotts, additional actions are anticipated in the upcoming months.
The People’s Union’s boycotts will encompass various companies throughout the spring and into the summer, as reported by USA TODAY. A broader, one-day economic blackout is scheduled for April 18, alongside another set for July 4.
Boycotts include an Amazon boycott from March 7-15 and the Nestlé boycott continuing through March 28.
Here are the upcoming targeted brand boycotts:
- Walmart: April 7-14 and May 20-26.
- General Mills: April 21-28.
- Amazon: May 6-12.
- Target: June 3-9.
- McDonald’s: June 24-30.
Social media campaigns utilizing #LatinoFreezeMovement and #LatinoFreeze have also prompted Hispanic consumers to “hold your money” to emphasize DEI initiatives, National Institutes of Health funding, and immigration actions.
The National Action Network, established by Rev. Al Sharpton, encourages support for Costco, which has upheld its commitment to DEI.
On February 25, the group announced it would reveal an official boycott at the NAN Convention scheduled for early April.
“As I stood in Washington on King Day, just as Donald Trump put his hand on the Bible and launched a crusade against DEI, I made it clear NAN will thoughtfully identify those who have not lived up to their commitments. We have formed a council with our partners to assess which companies have retracted on DEI, analyze their profit margins, and strategize how we can leverage Black consumer power to make a statement. We value the spirit of the various efforts, but the only one I and NAN have officially sanctioned will be announced at our national convention this April.”
The Rev. Al Sharpton, February 25 news release
Contributing: Cailey Gleeson, Alex Perry, Mariyam Muhammad
Contact the reporter at [email protected]. Follow on Instagram @reia_reports.
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Reach her at [email protected].
