{"id":6622,"date":"2025-02-22T19:46:45","date_gmt":"2025-02-22T19:46:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/africanamericanvoice.net\/?p=6622"},"modified":"2025-02-22T19:46:45","modified_gmt":"2025-02-22T19:46:45","slug":"corporate-america-abandons-dei-but-black-owned-brands-are-the-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/africanamericanvoice.net\/?p=6622","title":{"rendered":"Corporate America Abandons DEI, But Black-Owned Brands Are the Future"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>by\u00a0<span class=\"author vcard\"><a class=\"url fn n\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtoninformer.com\/author\/staceybrown\/\">Stacy M. Brown<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>While corporations retreat, Black entrepreneurs continue to build, innovate and thrive.<\/p>\n<p>According to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/black-owned-business-guide-ncna1258948\">NBC Select<\/a>, over three million Black-owned brands are in the U.S., spanning every industry imaginable.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, corporate America\u2019s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion DEI is unraveling at an alarming rate. In the years following the murder of George Floyd, corporations made bold promises to support marginalized communities, pledging billions in investments to level the playing field. But as the political landscape shifts and accountability wanes, those commitments are being discarded.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-1    \">\n<div class=\"newspack_global_ad scaip-1 fixed-height\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-caf9af3267-0\">A staggering number of major corporations have scaled back or eliminated DEI programs: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/\">Amazon<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.target.com\/\">Target<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amtrak.com\/home\">Amtrak<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.goldmansachs.com\/\">Goldman Sachs<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.disney.com\/\">Disney<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www2.deloitte.com\/us\/en.html\">Deloitte<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/\">PBS<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/\">Google<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pepsi.com\/\">Pepsi<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gm.com\/\">General Motors (GM)<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ge.com\/\">GE<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.intel.com\/content\/www\/us\/en\/homepage.html\">Intel<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/\">PayPal<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.chipotle.com\/home\">Chipotle<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/corporate.comcast.com\/\">Comcast<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accenture.com\/us-en\">Accenture<\/a>, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.edu\/\">Smithsonian Institution<\/a>, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fbi.gov\/\">FBI<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/about.meta.com\/\">Meta<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/\">Walmart<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.boeing.com\/\">Boeing<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.molsoncoors.com\/\">Molson Coors<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ford.com\/\">Ford Motor Co.<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.harley-davidson.com\/\">Harley-Davidson<\/a>, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.deere.com\/en\/index.html\">John Deere<\/a>\u00a0have all abandoned or severely reduced their diversity efforts.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The very companies that once paraded their commitment to racial equity in multimillion-dollar ad campaigns are now quietly erasing those initiatives from their bottom lines.<\/p>\n<p>Not everyone is staying silent.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Jamal Bryant, the influential pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in metro Atlanta, is leading a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtoninformer.com\/black-community-target-boycott\/\">40-day economic fast \u2014 or boycott \u2014 of Target in direct response to the retailer\u2019s decision to phase out its DEI initiatives.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Target, headquartered in Minneapolis \u2014 the city where George Floyd was murdered in 2020 \u2014 originally pledged $2 billion in investments toward Black-owned businesses. That commitment was due in December 2025, but on Jan. 24, Target announced it would end its DEI efforts, effectively abandoning that financial commitment.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-2    \">\n<div class=\"newspack_global_ad scaip-2 fixed-height\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-2bd992b9b0-0\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Bryant, appearing on the Black Press\u2019\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wf57O9xQOi0&amp;t=3s\">Let It Be Known news program<\/a>, condemned the move.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAfter the murder of George Floyd, they made a $2 billion commitment to invest in Black businesses,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen they pulled out of the DEI agreement in January, they also canceled that $2 billion commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Target is just the beginning. Bryant calls for 100,000 people to halt their spending at the retail giant as a direct challenge to corporate America\u2019s retreat from racial equity.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBlack people spend $12 million a day at Target,\u201d he said. \u201cBecause of how many dollars are spent there and the absence of commitment to our community, we are focusing on Target first.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The boycott, designed to coincide with the Christian season of Lent, the 40 days and nights leading to Easter, aims to leverage Black economic power to hold corporations accountable. Within just one week, 50,000 people had already signed the petition at\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/targetfast.org\/\">targetfast.org<\/a>, signaling the growing momentum behind the movement.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-3    \">\n<div class=\"newspack_global_ad scaip-3 fixed-height\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-dc2e0e383b-0\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Meanwhile, the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nnpa.org\/\">National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 the nation\u2019s largest Black-owned media organization \u2014 has announced its own national public education and selective buying campaign in response to corporate America\u2019s retreat from DEI.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are the trusted voice of Black America, and we will not be silent or nonresponsive to the rapid rise of renewed Jim Crow racist policies in corporate America,\u201d said NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry Sr.<\/p>\n<p>NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. reinforced the need for financial realignment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBlack Americans spend $2 trillion annually. We must evaluate and realign to question why we continue to spend our money with companies that do not respect us. These contradictions will not go unchallenged,\u201d Chavis declared.<\/p>\n<p>As corporate America abandons its DEI commitments, the power shifts to conscious consumers who invest in businesses that uplift and sustain marginalized communities.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-4    \">\n<div class=\"newspack_global_ad scaip-4 fixed-height\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-ca419f6974-0\">Here are just a few standout Black-owned brands leading the charge:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p><strong>Clothing and Accessories<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/telfar.net\/\"><strong>Telfar<\/strong><\/a>: The brand that revolutionized luxury fashion with its motto: \u201cNot for you\u2014for everyone.\u201d<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/hanifa.co\/?srsltid=AfmBOoocCNy8U9BR8mlITcQdd3332AM33awr_3Bepi7cfTcjv647HlA8\"><strong>Hanifa<\/strong><\/a>: A trailblazing womenswear brand founded by Anifa Mvuemba, known for its stunning digital fashion shows.<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pyermoss.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOoptDYx91w8mWLkAQOtqN1IIccQ3cEIh8JjCkIJaRV-0ft5AwUAd\"><strong>Pyer Moss<\/strong><\/a>: Founded by Kerby Jean-Raymond, this label merges activism and high fashion.<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/fromgrayscale.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOoqSHKj7Jiqeeo0P7p24msOjmVOLsvPBA31tArx2N2DWhNaMcsI1\"><strong>Grayscale<\/strong><\/a>: A streetwear brand bringing bold aesthetics and social commentary to the forefront.<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/shopsassyjones.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOor8SYvt3nQnc1MLK3WJcLaFiIIFbtYkHVSeDY1QCheILerG7rll\"><strong>Sassy Jones<\/strong><\/a>:\u00a0 A standout accessories brand built on bold, unapologetic self-expression.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Beauty and Skincare<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/fentybeauty.com\/\"><strong>Fenty Beauty<\/strong><\/a>: Rihanna\u2019s globally inclusive beauty empire that set a new standard for shade diversity.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mentedcosmetics.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOop-HUMnBmukWQezt_VVZV7Ypw3NT3r44J-lWGpDo3xJDemgpBh6\"><strong>Mented Cosmetics<\/strong><\/a>: Beauty products created specifically for deeper skin tones.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thelipbar.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOorWXeeCNJDGt-QI405UA3U_rDP0impgeVOwl0lw7IGqcB8sXL2f\"><strong>The Lip Bar<\/strong><\/a>: A Black-woman-owned brand disrupting the beauty industry with bold, non-toxic lipstick shades.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/patternbeauty\/?hl=en\"><strong>Pattern Beauty<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0 Founded by actress Tracee Ellis Ross, specializing in products for textured hair.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/alikaynaturals.com\/\"><strong>Alikay Naturals<\/strong><\/a>:\u00a0 Natural haircare products with a devoted following.<\/li>\n<li>TPH by Taraji: Created by actress and DMV native Taraji P. Henson, this hair and body brand provides nourishing, protecting and cleansing products.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Home and Lifestyle<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/estellecoloredglass.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOop3hfhCOm-4d3FiUAXrz9QGnoXNQGAwf4PRzQOHgVb7LyOFUa81\"><strong>Estelle Colored Glass<\/strong><\/a>: Hand-blown glassware that brings Black excellence to fine dining.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jungalow.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOoqqMXhwTd6Dj9hwZ1Vf8dmtVPXOdkmx_i9s4gXkRCuC8WTt5-Na\"><strong>Jungalow<\/strong><\/a>: A home d\u00e9cor brand from designer Justina Blakeney, blending culture and bohemian flair.<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linoto.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOoq0vLrxaxAIpYktcdw-d0U6z7D1vPO3JfxItLkCnLYLQMIup0Rm\"><strong>Linoto<\/strong><\/a>: Luxury linen bedding made with sustainability in mind.<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shopyowie.com\/\"><strong>Yowie<\/strong><\/a>: A modern design studio curating unique home goods from independent artists.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Food and Beverage<\/strong><\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-5    \"><\/aside>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/partakefoods.com\/\"><strong>Partake Foods<\/strong><\/a>: A Black-owned snack company offering allergen-friendly cookies and treats.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcbridesisters.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOop3qDzktThLdXgRZjbIrYCuDBTKf7okTq2-nwK9w_8_6iofJYwY\"><strong>McBride Sisters Wine Collection<\/strong><\/a>: The largest Black-owned wine company in the U.S., run by two sisters redefining the industry.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/unclenearest.com\/\"><strong>Uncle Nearest Whiskey<\/strong><\/a>: Honoring Nathan \u201cNearest\u201d Green, the Black distiller behind Jack Daniel\u2019s original recipe.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capitalcity.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOoqfpjF39AsQgiNpz1HJgY0LU_Qg6mXQKTluv-GEcZyVJlcHA_RD\"><strong>Capital City Mambo Sauce<\/strong><\/a>: The D.C. favorite taking over the condiment industry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtoninformer.com\/black-entrepreneurs-thrive-while-corporate-retreat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Published without changes from Washington Informer Newspaper<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>by\u00a0Stacy M. Brown While corporations retreat, Black entrepreneurs continue to build, innovate and thrive. According to\u00a0NBC Select, over<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6623,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[254],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6622","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-america-fights-back"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/africanamericanvoice.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6622","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/africanamericanvoice.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/africanamericanvoice.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/africanamericanvoice.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/africanamericanvoice.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6622"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/africanamericanvoice.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6622\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6624,"href":"https:\/\/africanamericanvoice.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6622\/revisions\/6624"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/africanamericanvoice.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6623"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/africanamericanvoice.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6622"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/africanamericanvoice.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6622"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/africanamericanvoice.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6622"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}