Latest news with #Belonging
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Strangers in the Land' explores the history of anti-Asian racism in the U.S.
Author Michael Luo joins Morning Joe to discuss his new book 'Strangers in the Land: Exclusion, Belonging, and the Epic Story of the Chinese in America'.
Business Insider
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
The Target boycott movement appears to be making a mark. More protests are around the corner.
Target is having little success in convincing shoppers of its stance on DEI. CEO Brian Cornell said Wednesday that public response to changes to its DEI programs — now known as "Belonging" — adversely impacted first-quarter sales, although an exact amount was not quantifiable. "We faced several additional headwinds this quarter, including five consecutive months of declining consumer confidence, uncertainty regarding the impact of potential tariffs, and the reaction to the updates we shared on Belonging in January," he said. The financial results follow weeks of declining foot traffic and sales, punctuated by seasonal holiday bumps during the period. But shifting positions on DEI issues don't appear to doing Target any favors, Global Data retail analyst Neil Saunders said in a note. "The extent of this should not be overstated as many other factors are driving down Target's sales numbers, but the move has certainly not been helpful," he said. A Target spokesperson said in a statement to Business Insider that the company is "absolutely dedicated to fostering inclusivity for everyone — our team members, our guests and our supply partners." "To do that, we're focusing on what we do best: providing the best retail experience for the more than 2,000 communities we're proud to serve," the spokesperson said. While some supporters of DEI have claimed partial victory in their pressure campaign, leaders including pastor Jamal-Harrison Bryant say they're not yet satisfied with the company's response. Bryant said his church would hold a protest in front of an Atlanta-area Target on Sunday, May 25, to mark the fifth anniversary of the murder of George Floyd in Target's hometown of Minneapolis. "We're gonna do it for nine minutes and 40 seconds as the same amount of time they applied pressure to George Floyd that led to his death," Bryant said in a video inviting other churches to join. Target expanded several diversity initiatives in the immediate aftermath of Floyd's murder, and CEO Brian Cornell said the incident highlighted that more work was needed. "It happened only blocks from our headquarters," Cornell told the Economic Club of Chicago a year after Floyd's death. "My first reaction watching on TV was that could have been one of my Target team members." At the time, Target committed to spending more than $2 billion on Black-owned businesses by 2025 by purchasing goods from more than 500 Black-owned businesses and contracting with Black-owned services from marketing to construction. "As CEOs we have to be the company's head of diversity and inclusion," Cornell told the Economic Club of Chicago. "We've got to make sure that we represent our company principles, our values, our company purpose on the issues that are important to our teams." Four years later, Target's message on DEI is less clear. In January, the company said it was rolling back several diversity initiatives, renaming others, and not renewing the spending and sourcing goals it set in 2021. (Target's spokesperson told BI the announcement did not affect existing brand or supplier relationships, and that the company still recruits from a range of schools, including HBCUs.) Target also for the first time donated $1 million to President Donald Trump's inauguration fund, filings showed, even as Trump was gearing up executive orders to strip DEI programs from federal agencies and contractors. Tech giants Google, Meta, and Uber also each donated the same amount. In addition, the company has drastically shrunk its annual LGBTQ Pride collection in recent years, and now offers a small fraction of what it showcased a two years ago. In a note to employees earlier this month, Cornell acknowledged that "silence from us has created uncertainty," and the executive has reportedly met with Bryant and Reverend Al Sharpton to discuss a path forward. Beyond the protests, Saunders said Target continues to face a myriad of other challenges, including still-high tariffs on imports, growing competitive pressures from rivals, and a host of other operational difficulties. "This year will be another soft one and Target enters it in a relatively weak position," he said.
Axios
21-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Target to "offset" majority of tariff impacts, focus on value
Target officials said Wednesday they plan to "offset the vast majority" of tariff impacts to consumers and remain "price competitive." Why it matters: The Minneapolis-based retailer saw sales decline more than expected in the first quarter of the year, and warned of a "high degree of uncertainty" between tariffs and consumer confidence. "We have many levers to use in mitigating the impact of tariffs and price is the very last resort," Target CEO Brian Cornell said on a call with analysts, adding the company is "focused on supporting American families as they manage their budgets." The big picture: Target and Home Depot are both handling news about tariff pricing differently from Walmart, which last week said price hikes were inevitable. President Trump threatened Walmart on Saturday over its plan to raise prices in the face of tariffs, demanding it absorb the costs instead. Home Depot said Tuesday it doesn't plan to increase prices because of tariffs. Cornell warned in March that tariffs could cause food prices to rise. Driving the news: Target saw comparable sales decrease 3.8% in the first quarter, which reflects same store sales decline of 5.7% and digital sales growth of 4.7%. Cornell said the retailer faced "several additional headwinds this quarter, including five consecutive months of declining consumer confidence, uncertainty regarding the impact of potential tariffs and the reaction to the updates we shared on 'Belonging' in January." Target announced it was pulling back on some of its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts in January. The changes were unveiled days after Trump returned to the White House and have been met with calls for boycotts. Yes, but: Target did have some bright spots, including 36% growth in same-day delivery. Cornell said the sales results from Target's limited-time design partnership with Kate Spade"were the strongest we've seen in a decade." Catch up quick: For the next couple of months, the U.S. will slash the tariffs on Chinese goods to 30%, from the 145% levy in effect for the past month. China agreed to cut its rate on U.S. exports to 10% from 125%. American retailers have been growing worried that Trump's trade war and increased volatility will lead to empty shelves, higher prices and store closures as Chinese imports screeched to a halt. In an April 21 meeting, Cornell and the CEOs of Walmart and Home Depot privately warned Trump that his trade policy could trigger massive product shortages and price spikes. Zoom in: Half of what Target sells comes from the U.S., and the company has been working on diversifying countries of production, especially on its private brand products, Rick Gomez, Target executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said. In 2017, 60% of Target's private brand products came from China, Gomez said. "We brought that down to 30% and we are well on our way to be less than 25% by the end of next year," Gomez said, noting the company is expanding into new countries and "exploring opportunities here in the U.S." What they're saying: "Our strategy is to remain price competitive by leveraging the capabilities, long standing relationships and the scale that set us apart for many of our retail peers," Cornell said.
Cision Canada
01-05-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
Community Living Toronto Launches #WeAllBelong Campaign to Celebrate Community Living Month
Fostering Inclusion, Equity and Belonging for All TORONTO, May 1, 2025 /CNW/ - Community Living Toronto is pleased to launch its campaign #WeAllBelong in celebration of Community Living Month, an initiative that takes place every May, to recognize and celebrate the contributions of people with intellectual disabilities. This year's campaign calls on everyone to champion inclusion, celebrate diversity, and take meaningful steps toward a more equitable society. The campaign is also a shoutout to our partners, supporters, and community members whose contributions drive meaningful change and help us create more inclusive communities where everyone can thrive. "Community Living Month reminds us that inclusion isn't just a goal, it's a commitment we live by every day," says Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto. "When people with intellectual disabilities are truly seen, heard, and valued, our communities grow stronger. With #WeAllBelong we are celebrating the vibrant, diverse communities we continue to build together while ensuring no one is left out of the conversation." When barriers are removed and everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in community life, we create a more connected and equitable future. Chris Beesley, CEO of Community Living Ontario, adds, "As we celebrate inclusion and the progress made across the developmental services sector this Community Living Month, we are reminded that there is still work to be done. Thousands of people with developmental disabilities continue to wait for essential supports, and belonging should never come with a waitlist. While we celebrate the progress made, we continue to advocate together for change, to ensure that everyone can access the support and resources they deserve." "Community Living Month is a time for reflection and celebration and reminds us of the strength we have when we stand together as a sector. True belonging means having access to the resources and services for full participation in community life and to make this a reality, governments must prioritize sustainable funding. It's time to turn awareness into action and ensure that inclusion is woven into the fabric of our policies, not just our aspirations." shares Dr. Robert Walsh, CEO of OASIS. With the # WeAllBelong campaign, we are celebrating the moments that foster connection and belonging, whether it is through meaningful employment, lasting friendships, or living independently with choice and dignity. On May 15, 2025, take a moment to post on your social media channels about a memory, celebration, or work you are proud of and use the hashtag #WeAllBelong. Throughout the month, Community Living Toronto encourages everyone to share personal stories, photos, or simply a message to show how we all belong. "Belonging is important to me because we all belong to society, no matter our abilities or how others may see us. When we create inclusive spaces, we all have the chance to grow together. Community Living Month is a powerful reminder that true belonging is not just a dream, it is something we can all create one step at a time." says Nelson Raposo, CLTO Influencer. About the Campaign #WeAllBelong is a campaign that celebrates inclusion and belonging for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Belonging is built in small, everyday moments: acts of kindness, shared laughter, trusted relationships, and spaces where everyone feels like they are seen, heard and valued. With #WeAllBelong, we are celebrating the richness of these experiences and the many people who bring inclusion to life each day. For more information on the #WeAllBelong campaign and ways to get involved, visit or contact Community Living Toronto at [email protected]. About Community Living Toronto Community Living Toronto has long been a source of support for people with an intellectual disability and their families since 1948. Community Living Toronto offers a wide range of services including respite, person-directed planning, employment supports, supported living, and community-based activities. Community Living Toronto is proud to support over 4,000 people with an intellectual disability, and their families in more than 80 locations across Toronto. The "community living movement" began with families who wanted their children to live in the community, rather than institutions. Today, Community Living Toronto continues to advocate for inclusive communities and support the rights and choices of people with an intellectual disability. For more information, please contact: Petronilla Ndebele, Director, Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Relations [email protected] I 416-356-1532
Bloomberg
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
The Epic Immigrant Saga Waiting to Be Told
A few weeks ago, I posted a preview of Strangers in the Land: Exclusion, Belonging, and the Epic Story of the Chinese in America, Michael Luo's moving, eloquent and meticulously researched history of immigration. In a way, Luo's book, which officially publishes on April 29, is a companion to Edward Wong's poignant At the Edge of Empire: A Family's Reckoning with China, which I've also featured in a column. While Luo's book examines nearly 200 years of Chinese immigration into the US — with a mesmerizing focus on the turbulent, often genocidal late 19th century in California and the Pacific states — Wong follows his father's epic journey from coastal China and Hong Kong in World War II up to Manchuria during the Korean War and then westward to the home of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, which was being welded into the People's Republic, and where Han majority of the rest of the country was a privileged minority. Together, the books provide a stereoscopic view of Chinese identity — the experience of migrants to a distant continent of promise and hostility, and of Chinese in China itself as the nation settled into its territorial bounds and ambitions.
