NAACP: Don't Back Companies That Backtracked From DEI

Black Americans should stop shopping at retailers that have retreated from diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, according to the Black Consumer Advisory released by the NAACP.

"While companies backtrack on diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments, the @NAACP's Black Consumer Advisory is designed to leverage the $1.7 trillion spending power of the Black community to hold corporations accountable to #DEI and social justice," NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson wrote on X. "We have the power to choose where we spend our money. I am confident that this framework will support our community as we make difficult decisions on where to spend our hard-earned money."

The advisory comes as companies and the federal government have rescinded DEI policies under the Trump administration.

Despite criticism from civil rights organizations, corporations such as McDonald's, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Tractor Supply have all halted or curtailed their DEI promises, many of which were made following social unrest in 2020.

In its advisory, the NAACP said that the rollbacks "reinforce historical barriers to progress under the guise of protecting "meritocracy.'"

"Many corporations continue to profit from Black dollars while simultaneously undermining commitments of diversity, equity, and inclusion," the advisory said. "These rollbacks not only harm Black communities, professionals, and entrepreneurs but also erode the progress made toward creating equitable economic and social systems."

The advisory urges Black Americans to back businesses and organizations that maintain and even expand DEI commitments and prioritize investment in Black communities; support Black-owned businesses; and call out corporations that have abandoned DEI initiatives and demand transparency in their practices, The Hill reported.

The advisory said that companies which have recommitted to DEI in recent weeks include Delta Air Lines, Apple and Ben & Jerry's.