A coalition of clergy and civil rights leaders is boycotting Target, claiming the retailer has failed its commitments to Black businesses and racial equity.
Clergy-Led Boycott Against Target
Rev. Jamal Bryant and a coalition of clergy have organized a boycott against Target, claiming the retailer has failed to meet its $2 billion pledge to support Black-owned businesses. This movement is framed as a new civil rights battle, with weekly pickets occurring at Target’s Columbia Heights location in Washington, D.C. since early 2025. The boycott has grown, with rallies taking place in cities like Chicago, aiming to hold Target accountable for its commitments to racial equity.
The boycott began during Black History Month in February 2025, tying its moral framework to a significant period for racial justice. Organizers, led by Bryant, have accused Target of discriminatory practices against Black customers and failing to uphold promises made under their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The clergy-led effort seeks to apply nonviolent pressure reminiscent of civil rights era tactics to compel corporate accountability and change.
Internal Controversies and Challenges
The boycott has not been without its challenges. Reports surfaced in late June 2025 of intra-church controversy, with Rev. Bryant accusing several Black denominations of accepting donations from Target, despite the ongoing boycott. These actions have sparked internal debates and criticism within church leadership, potentially fragmenting the movement or forcing a clearer alignment on corporate engagement standards. This internal friction highlights the complex dynamics of balancing financial support with moral and ethical stances.
Target has not publicly confirmed or denied the specifics of the $2 billion pledge allegations. However, the retailer is under pressure as organizers claim that their efforts have already impacted Target’s bottom line, citing declines in net sales and foot traffic in early 2025. This economic pressure, combined with the reputational risks, places Target in a precarious position as it attempts to navigate its DEI commitments and public perception.
Future Prospects and Implications
Looking ahead, the boycott’s potential long-term impacts are multifaceted. If sustained, it could lead to increased scrutiny on corporate DEI pledges and supplier diversity reporting across the retail sector. The clergy-led movement may set a precedent for similar campaigns, driving data-driven accountability and transparency in corporate-community negotiations. However, the internal disagreements within faith communities over corporate donations during active boycotts could reshape norms and expectations for church-corporate relationships.
The broader civil rights framing of the boycott could attract additional support and political attention, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for racial equity and corporate accountability in America. As the situation develops, key stakeholders, including Rev. Bryant and Target’s executive leadership, will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of this movement and its outcomes.
Sources:
People’s World: Target Boycott Targets Racism; Black Clergy and Community Members Picket D.C. Store
Christianity Today: Jamal Bryant, Black Church, Target Donation, DEI Boycott