Minneapolis activists are continuing their boycott of Target, stressing that the departure of the company’s CEO is "only the beginning."
Local leaders of the ongoing boycott of Target are urging continued action despite the upcoming departure of CEO Brian Cornell in February. Cornell will be replaced by Chief Operating Officer Michael Fiddelke, who has been with Target for 20 years. He will become CEO Feb. 1.
The movement is demanding the company reverse its DEI rollback and recommit to its 2021 $2 billion pledge for Black-owned businesses.
"This is a multi-billion dollar company that has exploited the Black dollar and has exploited the dollars of women, Latinos, immigrants, the LGBTQIA community, so they need to be able to do more than they did before their decision to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion," says social justice Activist Nekima Levy Armstrong.
Organizers are also denouncing other groups and civic leaders for trying to co-opt their national movement that started here in Minneapolis.
Activists say the leadership change is a chance for Target to repair its relationship with the community. The change in leadership comes amidst a 21% drop in profits for the company.
"This boycott is successful because of the mothers across this country who chose not to spend their dollars at a company who does not value them, does not value their neighbors, does not value the future of this country for all people, not just some people," adds CAIR Executive Director Jaylani Hussein.