Target has recently announced changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including programs supporting Black-owned businesses. This development has led to discussions about boycotting Target and other businesses like Target and Walmart that are cutting or ending their DEI programs.
As a Black mom and business owner, I get it—we’re all feeling a mix of emotions over Target’s recent decision to scale back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. For many of us, Target has been a go-to for supporting Black-owned brands that we may not find elsewhere. Now, with talks of boycotts swirling, it’s time for us to take a step back and ask ourselves: how do we handle this without hurting the very Black entrepreneurs we’re trying to uplift?
Let’s break it down.
The Ripple Effect on Black-Owned Businesses
The idea of boycotting sounds powerful—and it can be. But here’s the catch: many Black-owned businesses rely on partnerships with major retailers like Target to reach customers. When we pull back our dollars from these stores, we risk reducing sales for these brands. And when sales drop, retailers may remove those products from their shelves.
Think about the logistics. Small business owners often sign contracts with retailers that make it hard to simply “pull out” when issues arise. If sales dip, they’re left with excess inventory, storage costs, and potential legal headaches. It’s not as simple as packing up and walking away.
So, how do we handle this? The answer isn’t to throw the idea of boycotting out the window but to get strategic about where and how we spend our money.
We have to remember that our dollars are powerful. Boycotts can work, but only when they’re focused and strategic. At the same time, we can’t afford to leave Black-owned businesses hanging in the process.
If you feel called to take action, do it thoughtfully. Support Black-owned brands wherever you shop. Buy directly when you can.
Below is a comprehensive list of Black-Owned brands available at Target, organized by category:
Beauty and Personal Care
| Brand Name | Website |
|---|---|
| The Lip Bar | thelipbar.com |
| Mented Cosmetics | mentedcosmetics.com |
| Camille Rose | camillerose.com |
| Kinky-Curly | kinky-curly.com |
| Alaffia | alaffia.com |
| The Honey Pot Company | thehoneypot.co |
| Scotch Porter | scotchporter.com |
| Rosen Skincare | rosenskincare.com |
| Bevel | getbevel.com |
Food and Beverage
| Brand Name | Website |
|---|---|
| BLK & Bold | blkandbold.com |
| Partake Foods | partakefoods.com |
| Me & The Bees Lemonade | meandthebees.com |
| Capital City | capitalcity.com |
| A Dozen Cousins | adozencousins.com |
| McBride Sisters | mcbridesisters.com |
| Pipcorn | pipsnacks.com |
| WTRMLN WTR | wtrmlnwtr.com |
| Rap Snacks | rapsnacks.net |
| Goode Foods | goodefoods.com |
Home and Lifestyle
| Brand Name | Website |
|---|---|
| Be Rooted | berootedco.com |
| PillowSheets | pillowsheets.com |
| Fresh Pawz | freshpawz.com |
| Tactile Matter | tactilematter.com |
| Black Pepper Paperie Co. | blackpepperpaperie.com |
| Legendary Rootz | legendaryrootz.com |
Fashion and Accessories
| Brand Name | Website |
|---|---|
| Young King Hair Care | youngkinghaircare.com |
| LUNA MAGIC | lunamagic.com |
| PROUDLY | proudly.com |
Why Boycotts Today Are Harder Than the 1960s
Back then, boycotts like the Montgomery Bus Boycott were effective because we were united in a shared struggle. The stakes were clear, and the impact was felt collectively. But in 2025? Things are different. We’re not all in the same financial position, and our levels of commitment vary. For some, boycotting a big box store like Target feels doable. For others, not so much.
But let’s be honest: some of us are boycotting, while others are still shopping, which makes the overall impact less powerful. It’s not that we don’t care—it’s just that our circumstances aren’t the same.
Please let me know if I miss any brands or if I have included a brand that isn’t Black-Owned.
