Nekima Levy Armstrong says the boycott she helped launch remains ongoing, noting Jamal H. Bryant is not one of its founders
Pastor Jamal H. Bryant is apologizing after backlash over comments suggesting the national boycott of Target had ended, clarifying that he does not have the authority to call off the movement and acknowledging that he did not start it.
The boycott began in February 2025, when Minneapolis civil rights attorney and organizer Nekima Levy Armstrong and the Racial Justice Network launched a nationwide economic protest after Target rolled back several diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives following political pressure and federal actions targeting corporate DEI programs.
Jamal H. Bryant, who later amplified the campaign through a year-long “Target fast,” sparked confusion this week when he announced the end of his fast and described the effort as a victory, prompting some to believe the boycott itself was over.
In response to criticism, Bryant issued a public apology on his podcast, stating he had misread the community’s position and emphasizing that Black women organizers started the movement.
Meanwhile, boycott founders, including Nekima Levy Armstrong, reiterated that the national boycott remains in effect and will continue until Target fully restores its DEI commitments and addresses other demands from organizers.
Sources: The Grio, Black Enterprise, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder / Instagram: Jamal H. Bryant, Nekima Levy Armstrong / Video: The Jamal Bryant Podcast, Let’s Be Clear
