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Local church to boycott Target after company drops DEI initiatives

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)– A Springfield church has announced that their congregation will be boycotting the retailer Target in response to the company's change in diversity policy. Bishop Talbert Swan, National Director of Social Justice for the Church Of God In Christ, the largest Pentecostal denomination in America, and President of the Greater Springfield NAACP, said that his congregation at Spring of Hope Church of God in Christ are participating in a national call to boycott the stores for 40 days. A 40-day Target boycott began this week. What to know about the protest and its potential impact The retail giant announced in a statement that after several years of supporting efforts to increase its Black workforce they are not going to continue with their three year diversity, equity and inclusion goals, among other changes in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. 'As Black consumers, we wield significant economic power, and it is time we leverage that power to demand accountability,' said Bishop Swan. 'Target built its reputation as a company committed to DEI, especially after the murder of George Floyd. To now dismantle those commitments under political pressure is a betrayal of Black and marginalized communities. We will not reward corporations that pander to us in times of crisis but abandon us when it is no longer convenient.' Some opponents fear that the boycott will impact minority owned businesses that sell their products in the national chain. Swan encourages people to seek out Black-owned businesses and socially responsible companies that continue to practice DEI principles. 'We stand with Black entrepreneurs and will continue to support them directly,' Swan remarked. 'However, we cannot allow corporations to weaponize Black businesses as a shield while dismantling the very policies that create opportunities for our people.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.