Target...we're disappointed, but not surprised turning back DEI efforts

We are a few weeks into 2025 and the changes and climate have already taken a turn where the division between two worlds is becoming more and more evident and harder to hide. I think in this big world that we all share that we are truly missing the plot…we are stronger together. 

With this new year, in came rushing  executive orders, fear, confusion, major step backs, but for a certain group, not disappointed. That community  just learned that this is what comes with the title. We are victors victoring because it has become necessary to not always accept what they define as a victory. 

Although, I will say that out of the new changes, one of them I think we actually did come with an overwhelming feeling of disappointment.  “I can't tell you the number of times I've been in a Target and wished-nay... Prayed that everyone would join me when I broke out into a choreographed Beyoncé number.” (Jack Moore, Buzzfeed) 

Our beloved red dot store, Target had a feeling that not many other department stores have or posses. It became the grounds of a dance studio to express creativity. It became the place where we fell in love with our Target nephew, Azai, “Hi !” greeting everyone all around the store. 

The world knows by now, black hair is a holy part of our bodies , it truly is sacred and a big deal to, us, and with all the black hair brands and representation…it has become a sanctuary. And of course, on days where we go in to Target for one thing and come out with multiple and spend more than we anticipated, we don’t mind because going into Target had become therapeutic. Target…. You were “THAT GIRL” for us.

Many businesses announced their decisions to pull back on DEI efforts , but Target stood out because essentially the big  red store became a staple in our community. Many Tiktok, IG post, many outlets later, I think the overall backlash stems from hurt and disappointment. The store that we essentially adore so much was conforming to an ideology and beliefs that disregards our input

 Black business owners that we absolutely love like Ms. Tabitha Brown, Mel B of The Lip Bar, The Doux’s Maya Smith urge us not to boycott Target as boycotting them will essentially hurt their businesses. So what is it that we do now? We were moving in a direction where this 

When we are born, isn’t the point or part of the purpose to leave the world better than you entered it. Inspire others, to give, experience, acquire what money can’t buy.