ATLANTA — An Atlanta-based clothing designer whose clothing line was sold in Target said he will no longer support the retailer after it rolled back its diversity, equity and inclusion program.
“I will not be making purchases from Target,” Carlton Mackey, the designer of Black Men Smile, told Channel 2’s Audrey Washington on Tuesday.
Mackey said his mind is made up. He said, like a bad relationship, he feels unseen and dumped.
“I don’t think I want to be in a ‘friends with benefits’ relationship with Target,” Mackey said.
Target, along with several other major companies like Walmart, Lowes and Amazon, all announced rollbacks to their DEI programs.
On Sunday, Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant with New Birth Missionary Baptist Church announced a nationwide boycott.
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“I am announcing a 40-day fast from Target,” Bryant told his congregation.
Washington reached out to the retail giant for comment but did not hear back.
In Target’s new “Belonging at the Bullseye” strategy on its website, it says, in part, that it will “create a sense of belonging for our team, guests and communities through a commitment to inclusion.”
It goes on to say it aims “to create joyful experiences through an assortment of products and services that help all guests feel seen and celebrated.”
Target also states it will conclude its DEI goals, stop all diversity-focused surveys and conclude Racial Equity Action and Change initiatives in 2025.
“I feel gaslit,” Mackey said. “I cannot use my money to show and say that I approve of what they’re doing.”
Mackey told Washington that people who still want to support the designers and creators should purchase items directly from those designers and their websites.
“Any relationship requires commitment on both parts. You have removed yours, and the message that we want to send them is as a result we are standing on business, and we are removing our own commitment to you,” Mackey said.
In Target’s strategy it also states, “Belonging for all is an essential part of our team and culture, helping fuel consumer relevance and business results.”
The nationwide boycott is officially slated to begin March 5.
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