DEI Is Not Dead: Target & PepsiCo Feel the Heat, Call on Rev. Al Sharpton

Frank Franklin II/AP

Despite mounting pressure from anti-DEI political forces, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) isn't fading quietly. If anything, it's getting louder—especially when the communities that power major brands start withholding their dollars.

After weeks of declining foot traffic, Target CEO Brian Cornell has requested a meeting with Rev. Al Sharpton in New York this week. The goal? To find a path forward and begin repairing the company’s relationship with the Black community.

The move comes after Target faced criticism and boycott calls for perceived rollbacks on inclusive initiatives. The fact that leadership reached out to Rev. Al speaks volumes—it shows that our collective influence impacts corporate behavior, especially when the bottom line is involved.

But it doesn’t stop there.

PepsiCo’s CEO Ramon Laguarta will also be meeting with Sharpton and leaders from the National Action Network to discuss Pepsi’s quiet dismantling of its DEI initiatives earlier this year. Back on April 4, Rev. Al issued a letter to Laguarta stating that if a meeting didn’t happen, a boycott would be launched.

The pressure campaign worked. These companies are now being held accountable—not just by activists, but by everyday consumers who are choosing to spend consciously.

The message is clear: Fairness is non-negotiable. If DEI is under attack, the community will defend it—economically and unapologetically.

This is how we’re moving in 2025.