Boycotts of several major companies have swept across the U.S. in March and April, and many are still grappling with continued backlash from groups protesting alleged corporate malpractice and the rollback of diversity initiatives.
The People’s Union USA, a grassroots consumer advocacy movement which has spearheaded many of the boycotts, claims to be fighting against “mega corporations” which have “driven up prices, underpaid their workers, and outsourced jobs while raking in record profits.”
Which Boycotts Are Still Ongoing?
In addition to the “economic blackout” between April 18 and 20, companies including Walmart and Amazon have faced boycotts of their products, fueled in part by certain companies rolling back their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives since the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term.
Others are still facing active boycotts of their products, and those leading the movements have promised that more actions are on the way.
Target
The retail giant has been battling a boycott since late February, sparked by the decision to scale back its historical commitments to diversity in its hiring and sourcing processes. In early March, a number of Black congregations from across the U.S. embarked on a 40-day “corporate fast” of Target stores for Lent, led by Stonecrest, Georgia pastor Rev. Jamal Byant.
Bryant has said that the boycotts—which reportedly have more than 200,000 participants—will continue until Target meets the group’s demands. On Sunday, Bryant said that Target had fulfilled one of these by agreeing to fulfil a 2021 commitment of investing $2 billion in Black-owned businesses by July 31.
Gene J. Puskar / Anthony Behar/AP Photo / Sipa via AP Images
Bryant is also demanding Target reinstate its DEI initiatives, establish partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities, and deposit $250 million into Black-owned banks. He told the congregation at his Easter Sunday service: “I told [Target] what I’m getting ready to tell you — we ain’t going back in there.”
Bryant has also recently called for the protests to continue as a “full Target BOYCOTT.”
Newsweek has reached out to Target via email for comment.
General Mills
General Mills, one of the largest cereal companies in the U.S., and the owner of household-name brands including Betty Crocker, Lucky Charms and Pillsbury, has been targeted due to activists’ concerns over corporate accountability.
The boycott is being led by The People’s Union USA, it will continue from April 21 through April 28.
“General Mills is a corporate giant that continues to profit off the backs of American families while doing absolutely nothing to reinvest into the communities it profits from,” a notice on the group’s website read. “This company has a long track record of: Price gouging during inflation; Lobbying against consumer protections; Dodging fair taxation; Undermining small businesses by dominating shelf space with mass-produced, low-nutrition products.”
Newsweek has reached out to General Mills via email for comment.
Upcoming Boycotts in the US
In addition to General Mills and the the indefinite boycott of Target, John Schwarz, founder of The People’s Union USA, announced a lineup of upcoming boycotts on Instagram earlier this week.
Amazon: May 6-12.Walmart: May 20-26.Target: June 3-9.McDonald’s: June 24-30.Independence Day boycott: July 4.
