News Summary
Pastor Jamal Bryant from New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta has launched an electronic protest against Dollar General after the company cut its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The campaign encourages individuals to reach out to the corporation demanding reinstatement of these policies. Bryant’s initiative comes after previous advocacy efforts, including a boycott against Target. The protest aims to hold Dollar General accountable for its community investment practices, particularly in low-income neighborhoods that rely on its services.
Atlanta – Pastor Jamal Bryant from New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta has initiated an electronic protest against Dollar General in response to the company’s rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The protest strategy involves mobilizing individuals to flood Dollar General with calls, emails, and social media posts demanding the reinstatement of its DEI policies.
This protest follows Bryant’s previous efforts, including a boycott against Target due to similar issues. That initiative began as a 40-day “fast” during Lent and has since continued indefinitely. The decision to target Dollar General for this protest is rooted in the store’s significance as a critical grocery source in many rural areas, where it often serves as the only location for fresh produce.
Bryant has called on urban residents to avoid shopping at Dollar General while simultaneously advising rural communities to shop there if it is their only option. With over 20,000 locations nationwide, Dollar General has a substantial presence, particularly in Georgia, which ranks as the second-largest state for its stores.
Concerns arose after Dollar General’s decision to cut ties with its chief diversity officer last year and remove DEI-promoting language from its annual financial report. These actions have been viewed by Bryant as a betrayal of the communities that support Dollar General, especially minority and low-income neighborhoods that depend on its services.
In addition to reinstating DEI initiatives, Bryant’s organization is demanding that Dollar General establish a community reinvestment fund, expand contracts with Black-owned vendors, and address systemic racism within its corporate culture. Bryant believes that the electronic protest will effectively apply pressure on the corporation to reconsider its stance, even if not all participants are regular customers.
Previous advocacy campaigns led by Bryant have gained momentum, with support from over 50 Black churches nationwide. Notably, a prayer protest was held outside a Target store to honor the anniversary of George Floyd’s death. The impact of these campaigns has been observable, as Target’s sales declined significantly, with leadership citing a commitment to inclusivity in light of the boycotts. They noted their investments in Black-owned businesses and various community initiatives aimed at supporting those impacted by the protests.
Bryant maintains that Dollar General must be held accountable for its failure to invest within the Black and low-income communities that rely on its services. The electronic protest signifies a renewed commitment by Bryant and his supporters to advocate for corporate accountability regarding DEI initiatives. The protest is scheduled to commence immediately, highlighting Bryant’s ongoing mission to restore and strengthen DEI infrastructure within Dollar General.
As the electronic protest gains traction, it is anticipated to draw attention to the broader implications of corporate responsibility in addressing diversity and inclusion within businesses that serve primarily underserved communities. Bryant’s activism not only seeks to engage consumers but also aims to encourage corporations to reflect on their policies and commitments toward community investment.
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