Black sellers reel over Target’s DEI U-turn

The New York Times looks at how Target’s decision to roll back its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goals has impacted Black entrepreneurs. In Minnesota, organizations including Black Lives Matter Minnesota, the Racial Justice Network and the state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations have called for a national boycott of the retailer. “We are urging everyone to buy directly from Black companies through their websites, rather than stepping foot in Target stores,” said Monique Cullars-Doty, a founder of Black Lives Matter Minnesota. However, not all Black entrepreneurs are in agreement. Tabitha Brown, who sells home goods under her own name at Target, suggests a boycott of the chain could hurt Black-owned brands. But Pernell Cezar, who launched his BLK & Bold coffee in Target, said he has lost trust in the retailer. “It definitely leaves us in a ‘Where do we go from here [situation]?’”, he said.