Latest news with #LatinoFreezeMovement
Forbes
10-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Latino Freeze Movement Economic Opportunities And Challenges
Vector illustration of the word Boycott red ink stamp Something is happening that exemplifies the Latino community's socioeconomic power, strength, and significance: The Latino Freeze Movement. The Latino Freeze Movement is an economic resistance movement that leverages Latino spending power to foster respect and inclusion. Structural inequities are pervasive in Latinos' lives, but they have started to erode primarily due to social policy commitments to diversity and equity. However, calls to eliminate or roll back these policies have begun to negatively affect previously achieved victories for equitable access and opportunity. The directive to dismantle policies designed to address diversity and inequities has ignited a call to action for many Latinos. Civil rights activist Dolores Huerta aptly says, 'If you don't respect our community, then you shouldn't have our dollars.' Professor Caroline Chen of San Jose State University notes that the Latino Freeze Movement is a targeted spending boycott led by various Latino leaders and consumers. The boycott focuses on companies that have set aside diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, with movement leaders encouraging Latinos to significantly alter their buying habits. When purchasing necessities, if possible, the Latino Freeze Movement says that Latino consumers should not patronize businesses that have discarded their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Furthermore, when considering discretionary spending - such as buying a new purse or dining at fast-food restaurants - Latino consumers are encouraged to adjust their choices to support companies prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, they should strive to support Latino and Black-owned businesses, especially small enterprises, for all purchases. For example, when grocery shopping or looking for new shoes or a tote bag, Latinos' first choice should be to buy from a local business owned by a Latino or Black entrepreneur. Avoiding large corporations that have abandoned their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs should take precedence for Latino consumers. Movement leaders also suggest that if a necessary item cannot be found at a local Latino or Black-owned business, it should be purchased from a company dedicated to maintaining its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. A 2022 McKinsey & Company report revealed that Latinos are the fastest-growing segment of the nation's GDP. According to a 2023 report from researchers at Arizona State University, Latinos contribute $3.2 trillion to the U.S. GDP, while their purchasing power is $3.4 trillion. These significant economic markers, combined with the Latino population's youth, labor force participation rates, increasing levels of educational attainment, and their role in population growth, indicate that businesses need and rely on Latino consumers. "Businesses must seek to understand the impact the community has on their workforces and customer bases or be left behind,' says Professor Dennis Hoffman at the L. William Seidman Research Institute at Arizona State University. Businesses need Latinos to increase, or at least maintain, their purchasing levels. The economic behavior of Latinos is crucial for companies to achieve healthy bottom lines, ensure heavy traffic in online and brick-and-mortar stores, and sustain growth - all of which are essential for a robust economy. 'It is truly striking how vital the Latino cohort is for the U.S. economy,' says Arizona State University Professor and Business School Dean Ohad Kadan. Further elaborating on the importance of Latino economic power, he says, "Business leaders around the nation should internalize the growth of the Latino economic power for the success of their businesses.' The Latino Freeze Movement jeopardizes the steady flow of customers purchasing goods and services, affecting company profits and sustained growth. A boycott in which Latino consumers choose not to spend their dollars at specific stores or significantly reduce their spending will considerably impact businesses. This impact will be quantifiable and substantial. However, like most economic actions, there are likely to be unintended consequences resulting from the Latino Freeze Movement. Latina restocking merchandise at a big box store. There is no doubt that if the Latino Freeze Movement gains the momentum that many business leaders believe it will, certain stores may become less crowded, experience a decline in profits, and reduce workers' hours or even lay off employees. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Latinos make up approximately 19% of the workforce in the service sector. One potential and unfortunate consequence of a successful Latino Freeze Movement is that Latino workers in service occupations, such as retail and customer service, may face economic hardship due to lost wages from reduced hours or layoffs. Simultaneously, the success of The Latino Freeze Movement is likely to result in more shoppers and purchases at businesses dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These businesses may need additional workers and increased hours for current employees. However, those businesses are unlikely to have the capacity to employ all the workers who may experience reduced hours or job loss at the companies that have abandoned their commitment to equity and fairness. While these unintended consequences are unfortunate, they also provide opportunities. Latina small business owners. The Latino Freeze Movement has the potential to remind companies that attention to a diverse workforce and a respected consumer base is as crucial as selling goods and services. If companies fail to show the respect Dolores Huerta spoke of, Latinos have an opening to develop and nurture creative and economically robust alternatives for their community. They can foster support for expanding the already significant entrepreneurial activities within the Latino community and enhance the skill levels of Latino workers. Moreover, the Latino Freeze Movement and its consequences afford Latinos a unique opportunity to reshape the community's economic landscape and wealth accumulation prospects. One specific action that can be taken is to generate economic support for Latinos to start new businesses. If Latino consumers stop purchasing goods and services from companies that have abandoned their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, these consumers will need to find alternative businesses. The demand for goods and services within the Latino community will not disappear. What better place to invest Latino consumer dollars than in Latino-owned businesses? Another potential action is for Latino leaders to identify and support improved job and educational training opportunities for Latino workers who may experience reduced work hours or layoffs due to a successful Latino Freeze Movement. These opportunities will enable affected Latino workers to enhance their educational and work credentials, potentially expanding their job options and possibilities. The Latino Freeze Movement's demand for respect and equity in exchange for their dollars sends a powerful message to businesses. Simultaneously, it creates opportunities for expanding Latino entrepreneurial activities and enhancing the work skills of Latino workers, which, in turn, will benefit the Latino community and the nation.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A Nestlé DEI boycott begins this week. What Wisconsinites should know about latest spending freeze
Consumers across the country are participating in a week-long boycott of Nestlé beginning Friday, the latest in a series of spending freezes targeting major corporations' reversal of DEI policies. The boycott, organized by the same activist group that planned the 24-hour economic spending blackout on Feb. 28, will last through Friday, March 28. A 40-day "fast" of Target is also underway. The People's Union USA, led by John Schwarz, also organized a week-long boycott of Amazon that ended last Friday. Schwarz cited several reasons for the upcoming boycott, including Nestlé's alleged use of child labor, in a recent Instagram video. "This is not just another boycott," Schwarz said. "It is a direct hit to one of the most corrupt global corporations there is." More: DEI explained: What is DEI and why is it so divisive? What you need to know. Here's what Wisconsin shoppers should know: The Nestlé boycott is slightly different from past actions. Unlike the Target and Amazon spending freezes, consumers are urged to avoid buying products from the hundreds of brands Nestlé owns, ranging from pet food to bottled water to candies. An entire list of brands owned by Nestlé can be found on its website. The Nestlé boycott begins on Friday, March 21 and runs until Friday, March 28. The faith community's 40-day boycott is in protest of the retailer's decision to reverse DEI initiatives. It began on Wednesday, March 5, and will continue for 40 days to align with Lent, which ends on Thursday, April 17. Organizers created to offer information on the boycott. "This is a fast for accountability," the boycott's website said. "A fast for justice. A fast for a future where corporations do not bow to pressure at the expense of marginalized communities." More: A 40-day boycott of Target begins this week. Here's what Wisconsinites should know about it The People's Union USA has more consumer boycotts planned in the coming months. Here is the schedule laid out in a flier found on its website: Nestlé: March 21-28 Walmart: April 7-14 and May 20-26 Second economic blackout: April 18 General Mills: April 21-28 Amazon: May 6-12 Target: June 3-9 McDonald's: June 24-30 Independence Day boycott: July 4 Social media posts — using #LatinoFreezeMovement and #LatinoFreeze — have also encouraged consumers to "hold your money'' amid freezes on DEI initiatives, National Institutes of Health funding and immigration actions. The National Action Network, founded by Rev. Al Sharpton, also said in a Feb. 25 news release that it will announce an authorized boycott at the NAN Convention in early April. Lori Comstock and Chad Murphy contributed to this report. More: UW-Madison under second investigation by Trump administration amid federal DEI crackdown This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Nestlé DEI boycott to begin Friday. What to know in Wisconsin
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A week-long Amazon boycott began Friday. What to know in Wisconsin
Consumers across the country, including in Wisconsin, are participating in a weeklong boycott of Amazon beginning Friday, the latest in a series of spending freezes protesting the reversal of DEI initiatives at major corporations across the U.S. The boycott, organized by the same activists who planned the 24-hour economic spending blackout on Feb. 28, will last through Friday, March 14. It seeks to significantly drive down sales at the online retailer in response to the its decision to end DEI efforts at the corporation. There are even more boycotts on the way for other companies, including several other weeklong actions, another economic spending blackout and a 40-day Target fast. Here's what to know: The Feb. 28 economic blackout, organized by The People's Union USA, and subsequent boycotts on Amazon, Target and other retailers were planned to protest the major corporations rolling back DEI policies. Amazon made news in January after Bloomberg reported the retailer was halting its DEI policies, a move that was announced in an internal note to employees. The company also removed all mentions of diversity and inclusion from its annual report in February. More: A 40-day boycott of Target begins this week. Here's what Wisconsinites should know about it It is difficult to gauge the economic impact of a 24-hour action with data. However, USA TODAY collected information from several different firms that shows both the boycott had some potential impact in affecting in-person and e-commerce traffic at some retailers. Amazon sales stayed roughly the same. More: What are the results from the Feb. 28 economic blackout? See what data shows. A 40-day Target boycott kicked off on Wednesday and will run until April 17, or the end of Lent. The People's Union has several other boycotts planned throughout spring, USA TODAY reported. After Amazon, a boycott of Nestle is scheduled for March 21 to March 28 while a Walmart boycott is slated for April 7 to April 14. A second, broader one-day economic blackout is also slated for April 18. The group is then calling for a General Mills boycott from April 21 to April 28. Social media posts — using #LatinoFreezeMovement and #LatinoFreeze — have also encouraged consumers to "hold your money'' amid freezes on DEI initiatives, National Institutes of Health funding and immigration actions. The National Action Network, founded by Rev. Al Sharpton, also said in a Feb. 25 news release that it will announce an authorized boycott at the NAN Convention in early April. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Amazon boycott: What to know about 7-day spending freeze in Wisconsin
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A week-long Amazon boycott began Friday. What to know in Wisconsin
Consumers across the country, including in Wisconsin, are participating in a weeklong boycott of Amazon beginning Friday, the latest in a series of spending freezes protesting the reversal of DEI initiatives at major corporations across the U.S. The boycott, organized by the same activists who planned the 24-hour economic spending blackout on Feb. 28, will last through Friday, March 14. It seeks to significantly drive down sales at the online retailer in response to the its decision to end DEI efforts at the corporation. There are even more boycotts on the way for other companies, including several other weeklong actions, another economic spending blackout and a 40-day Target fast. Here's what to know: The Feb. 28 economic blackout, organized by The People's Union USA, and subsequent boycotts on Amazon, Target and other retailers were planned to protest the major corporations rolling back DEI policies. Amazon made news in January after Bloomberg reported the retailer was halting its DEI policies, a move that was announced in an internal note to employees. The company also removed all mentions of diversity and inclusion from its annual report in February. More: A 40-day boycott of Target begins this week. Here's what Wisconsinites should know about it It is difficult to gauge the economic impact of a 24-hour action with data. However, USA TODAY collected information from several different firms that shows both the boycott had some potential impact in affecting in-person and e-commerce traffic at some retailers. Amazon sales stayed roughly the same. More: What are the results from the Feb. 28 economic blackout? See what data shows. A 40-day Target boycott kicked off on Wednesday and will run until April 17, or the end of Lent. The People's Union has several other boycotts planned throughout spring, USA TODAY reported. After Amazon, a boycott of Nestle is scheduled for March 21 to March 28 while a Walmart boycott is slated for April 7 to April 14. A second, broader one-day economic blackout is also slated for April 18. The group is then calling for a General Mills boycott from April 21 to April 28. Social media posts — using #LatinoFreezeMovement and #LatinoFreeze — have also encouraged consumers to "hold your money'' amid freezes on DEI initiatives, National Institutes of Health funding and immigration actions. The National Action Network, founded by Rev. Al Sharpton, also said in a Feb. 25 news release that it will announce an authorized boycott at the NAN Convention in early April. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Amazon boycott: What to know about 7-day spending freeze in Wisconsin
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
40-day boycott of Target starts this week. Amazon, Walmart boycotts over DEI coming soon
A 40-day Target boycott kicked off on Wednesday in protest of the company rolling back its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives — just days after a nationwide 24-hour economic blackout of major corporations. Several companies, including Walmart, Lowe's and Meta, have reversed DEI initiatives in recent months. Some companies rolled back efforts even prior to President Donald Trump taking action to eliminate federal DEI programs upon his return to office. The boycott, organized by Atlanta Pastor Jamal Bryant and other faith leaders, encourages consumers to refrain from buying anything from Target for 40 days, which is also the duration of Lent. According to the initiative's website, it also asks investors to sell any Target stock they may own. Target is not the only retailer being targeted in current and upcoming boycotts. Beginning on Friday, March 7, a week-long boycott of Amazon will begin — organized by the group behind the 24-hour economic blackout — as well as a Nestle boycott beginning on Friday, March 21, among others. Here's what Mississippi shoppers should know. The faith community's 40-day boycott is in protest of the retailer's decision to reverse DEI initiatives. It began on Wednesday, March 5, and will continue for 40 days to align with Lent, which ends on Thursday, April 17. Organizers created to offer information on the boycott. "This is a fast for accountability," the boycott's website said. "A fast for justice. A fast for a future where corporations do not bow to pressure at the expense of marginalized communities." The NAACP has urged customers to instead support Black businesses as well as businesses that have maintained DEI programs. There are Target locations in six Mississippi cities, according to its store directory. D'Iberville. Flowood. Hattiesburg. Horn Lake. Jackson. Olive Branch. More: DEI explained: What is DEI and why is it so divisive? What you need to know. In addition to boycotts in recent weeks, several more actions are planned throughout the coming months. The People's Union has since expanded its boycott to include other actions at different points throughout the spring, USA TODAY reported. These include boycotts of Amazon (March 7-14), Nestle (March 21-28), Walmart (April 7-14). A second, broader one-day economic blackout is also slated for April 18. Social media posts — using #LatinoFreezeMovement and #LatinoFreeze — have also encouraged consumers to "hold your money'' amid freezes on DEI initiatives, National Institutes of Health funding and immigration actions. The National Action Network, founded by Rev. Al Sharpton, also said in a Feb. 25 news release that it will announce an authorized boycott at the NAN Convention in early April. USA TODAY reporter Betty Lin-Fisher contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Target boycott to last 40 days. Amazon, Walmart protests coming soon
