New York is one of the most diverse cities in the country. It welcomed me when I moved here to pursue my education and has shaped me into the person I am today. I have always believed that our city’s vibrant neighborhoods and immigrant-owned small businesses are the lifeblood of our success.
My own journey from Guyana to Belgium, and to America has taught me that diversity is not just about demographics; it is about embracing different perspectives, experiences, and ideas to create stronger communities.
Not so long ago, executives at the headquarters of our country’s major retailers believed in the promise of diversity too.
For years, big box retailers like Target and Walmart touted their diversity initiatives. They had programs to foster diverse workplaces, support minority-owned businesses, and provide opportunities for underserved communities. Walmart even had its own non-profit meant to advance racial justice. They told our communities that our voices were valuable.
These initiatives were not only meant to create more inclusive environments within their companies, but also to ensure that the communities they operate in–particularly underserved communities–could thrive as well.
Unfortunately, when Donald Trump came back to power, the retailers started reversing course. When Trump called for an end to diversity initiatives, Walmart stopped funding its own non-profit. Target renamed its supplier diversity program and abandoned its Racial Equity and Change committee. Even Home Depot joined the party and stopped mentioning diversity in its annual report to shareholders.
Sadly, it is clear what happened at these stores. They all caved to the demands of the Right out of fear for their bottom lines. But what pads the profits of America’s big box stores is bad for us.
When big retailers abandon values like diversity, it has real consequences for our communities. These initiatives brought resources to our communities and gave minority entrepreneurs the chance to compete in a world where they’re often overlooked.
Thankfully, consumers are pushing back on the retailers with their wallets. In New York, the National Action Network has called out the retailers for abandoning diversity commitments and organized “buy-cotts” at stores like Costco that continue to support our communities. These collective actions are part of a larger movement where progressive consumers nationwide are boycotting Target and other retailers that have caved to political pressure. The impact is already being felt. Target has seen 11 consecutive weeks of declining foot traffic.
The fight for diversity cannot be left to consumers alone. New York’s state and federal elected officials must rise to the moment with both words and actions. They need to speak out against this corporate retreat from the values that make America great.
They must also refuse to stand with companies that refuse to stand with us. Despite betraying our communities, Target, Home Depot, and Walmart spend millions of dollars lobbying our representatives in Albany and DC. They want our representatives to give them political handouts like tax cuts, pro-business regulations and changes to the credit card payment system. At this point, the answer to any request should be a blanket “no.”
The retail industry needs to be reminded that people are watching. Their actions have consequences. Consumers are doing their part to send this message. It is time for our representatives to do the same.
Written by: Theona Reets-DuPont, Candidate for City Council District 13
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
