Reverend Al Sharpton threatens to boycott companies that cancel DEI: ‘You took everything’
MSNBC’s Reverend Al Sharpton called on all Americans to boycott companies that eliminate diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) initiative, claiming that they are trying to send black people to the “back of the bus.”
Sharpton made the announcement at the Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC, during the meeting in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. on Monday. He said this call to action will be made in the spirit of King’s legacy as a civil rights fighter.
“Why do we have DEI? We have DEI because you denied us diversity, you denied us equity, you denied us inclusion. DEI was the antidote to the practice of institutionalized racial bigotry in academia and in these corporations. Now, if you want to put when we go back bus, we’re going to do a Dr. King-Rosa Parks on you,” Sharpton said.
National Action Network founder and president Reverend Al Sharpton speaks during a press conference and signing of legislation establishing the New York Reparations Study Commission on December 19, 2023 in New York. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
“You must have forgotten who we are,” he added. “We’re the ones you took everything from and we’re still here.”
Sharpton announced that his organization, the National Action Network, will participate in a months-long study to investigate companies that are moving away from DEI policies and their profit margins. Once the study is complete, they will begin boycotting the two companies.
“In 90 days, we’re going to announce the two companies we’re looking for, and we’re going to ask everyone in this country — black, white, brown, gay, straight women, transgender women — don’t shop where you’re not respected,” Sharpton said.
Sharpton’s announcement comes after that more companies like Walmart, McDonald’s, Ford, Meta and others have announced that they will reduce or eliminate DEI initiatives.
Companies began winding down DEI programs last month. (Getty Images)
Sharpton encouraged his supporters to rally around businesses that maintain theirs DEI policies like Costco.
As Sharpton made his announcement, President Trump was being inaugurated as the 47th president. Shortly after being sworn in, Trump signed an executive order end DEI programs through the federal government.
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“We want people to see the story of two cities in one county,” Sharpton said. “On this side of town, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his life to open America to everyone: black, white, gay, straight, it didn’t matter. We’re with Dr. King.”
Sharpton attacked the elimination of DEI as akin to forcing blacks to sit in the back of the bus. (Brian Stukes/Getty Images)
Fox News Digital reached out to MSNBC and Sharpton for comment.
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