As Target faces growing backlash over its decision to scale back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Black vendors are speaking out about the impact on their businesses.
Among them is Kiara Imani, Esq., a former Target vendor who took to TikTok to share how the retailer’s abrupt contract cancellations have hurt Black entrepreneurs.
“They dropped us along with a bunch of other Black vendors,” Imani said in the viral video. “Without a lot of notice, we have 20,000 units in our warehouse now that we’re trying to sell on our website. So yeah, support people, small businesses via their website, not Target.”
Target’s DEI rollback, announced in January 2025, ended several programs, including the Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) initiative, which supported Black employees and businesses.
The move has sparked criticism from activists and Black faith leaders, who launched a 40-day boycott on March 5, urging consumers to “divest” from the retailer.
Target has yet to comment on the boycott but has stated its commitment to “inclusion” and “belonging.”
Meanwhile, affected entrepreneurs like Imani are encouraging shoppers to support Black-owned businesses directly through their websites.
