Overview
- The boycott was initiated in January 2025 by Minneapolis activists Nekima Levy Armstrong, Monique Cullars-Doty, and Jaylani Hussein after Target said it was ending its three-year DEI goals.
- On March 11, Pastor Jamal Bryant announced his 40-day 'Target Fast' had ended, triggering confusion, then apologized for being 'out of touch' and stressed he was not ending the broader boycott.
- Nekima Levy Armstrong says the national boycott is indefinite and has urged supporters to 'double down' rather than return to shopping at Target.
- Target has not provided public evidence that it reinstated earlier DEI commitments; organizers’ stated demands include reimagined DEI, HBCU partnerships, deposits in Black-led banks, and honoring a $2 billion pledge.
- Grassroots leaders have criticized the sidelining of Black women who started the effort and cite claimed impacts on Target’s foot traffic, stock performance, and CEO compensation.