In this Joy's House series, I explore the Target boycott. In part one, let's talk about how during the Obama era, Black women truly became "Target people."
Thank you. You are so strong in your commitment to telling stories that we need to hear. You are providing the kind of information that will hopefully shake us out of complacency.
Thank you for sharing our history with Target. I can’t wait for the second installment because it is definitely going to be enlightening for some folks!
I just googled and found, Yes, Target is confirmed to be a major sponsor and the official retail partner for the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. The festival is taking place in New Orleans from July 3-6, 2025. Target has also been a major sponsor and retail partner in previous years, including the 2024 festival. Hopefully there is still room for negotiation. Maybe you don’t have to call it DEI, to still do DEI? Maybe they will increase black owned products again after the boycott? Maybe?
Awesome article. Looking forward to part II. I am an old white woman who's been shopping at Target for years and stopped the second they rolled back their DEI initiatives. To be honest, I miss it a lot but I won't go again until their policies change. I read that the Rev Al Sharpton paid a visit to the Target honchos recently. I hope he made some progress.
Joy please allow me to vent. Just received a text from a friend who is a practicing Catholic. Note, I did not say good Catholic. When news of the Pope's death reached our pathetic red state I was compelled to relay the news to this friend. In my text to her I stated that the Pope saw Satan before he passed. Her quizzical reply of "Satan?" required an explanation. This occurred 2 days ago. This AM I receive the rebuttal that I was being judgemental of a person "doing the best he could". Not one to bite my tongue my reply centered on the Pope's chastisement of this administration. If she judged me then she judged the Pope also. Heretofore, we had been in agreement NOT to discuss politics. Admittedly I broke this by referring to jdv as Satan. Ironically I met this friend about 10 yrs ago when I first retired and began weekly adorations in a chapel. This friend has chosen to abstain from current events therefore, I don't know how much she truly realizes the injustices brought on by incarnations of evil in our government. I fully doubt she knows that Stephen Miller, a Jew, has a goal of deporting over a million people. While I could try and school her, she and others bury their heads in religion and it is futile to reach them. I guess i have lost another friend. Thanks for hearing me.
I am anxiously awaiting part 2. I have reread this post and discovered so much more. When target capitulated and did away with DEI. I saw the suggestion made by someone to give target up for Lent. I did and have missed a few items that I usually purchase there. Now with Lent over I think I'll continue the boycott until Pentecost. After that I will find another ecclesiastical day as a new benchmark. All this just to say I am in complete agreement.
I love your writing style, Joy. I can hear your beautiful voice narrating as I read the words. Zayre’s and Woolco? Damn I feel old.😆
I shopped at Walmart even though I hate Walmart… Kathie Lee’s Buy American Buy Walmart with her imported clothing line and the fact that I could never get out of that store for under a hundred bucks. I was buying my kids diapers there too in the oughts. My mom’s best friend worked there for over 20 years, probably retired from there. My feelings about Walmart have not changed, and Target isn’t much better in the end. It’s all about self preservation for some. It eventually becomes obvious, especially with douche bags like Mango Mussolini.
I just read that DOGE is, this afternoon, dismantling the Woolworth Counter display at the Smithsonian because it is 'too woke'? How is the Smithsonian letting this happen? How is the US I knew until Jan 20, 2025 letting DOGE has so much autonomy and authority? I have emailed my elected officials. I am sure they are tired hearing from me. Are they going to attack the African American History Museum in its entirety?
Fascinating!!!
(Et tu, Target?)
I’m looking forward to the next installment. Thank you! 🙏
Great article. I was a Target shopper as well (It reminded me of the Caldor of my son’s childhood).
I have to say, I miss it too.
There are only so many things, however, that retired, widowed person can do to resist these racist fools running our country into the ground.
Can’t wait for part 2, Joy!
I really enjoy your writing Joy. Thank you so much! One can tell how much time and work you put into each article! When can we expect part 2?
Thank you. You are so strong in your commitment to telling stories that we need to hear. You are providing the kind of information that will hopefully shake us out of complacency.
Thank you for sharing our history with Target. I can’t wait for the second installment because it is definitely going to be enlightening for some folks!
Thank you Joy. I love your writing.
Brilliant 👏👏👏🙌🙌
I just googled and found, Yes, Target is confirmed to be a major sponsor and the official retail partner for the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. The festival is taking place in New Orleans from July 3-6, 2025. Target has also been a major sponsor and retail partner in previous years, including the 2024 festival. Hopefully there is still room for negotiation. Maybe you don’t have to call it DEI, to still do DEI? Maybe they will increase black owned products again after the boycott? Maybe?
Awesome article. Looking forward to part II. I am an old white woman who's been shopping at Target for years and stopped the second they rolled back their DEI initiatives. To be honest, I miss it a lot but I won't go again until their policies change. I read that the Rev Al Sharpton paid a visit to the Target honchos recently. I hope he made some progress.
Joy please allow me to vent. Just received a text from a friend who is a practicing Catholic. Note, I did not say good Catholic. When news of the Pope's death reached our pathetic red state I was compelled to relay the news to this friend. In my text to her I stated that the Pope saw Satan before he passed. Her quizzical reply of "Satan?" required an explanation. This occurred 2 days ago. This AM I receive the rebuttal that I was being judgemental of a person "doing the best he could". Not one to bite my tongue my reply centered on the Pope's chastisement of this administration. If she judged me then she judged the Pope also. Heretofore, we had been in agreement NOT to discuss politics. Admittedly I broke this by referring to jdv as Satan. Ironically I met this friend about 10 yrs ago when I first retired and began weekly adorations in a chapel. This friend has chosen to abstain from current events therefore, I don't know how much she truly realizes the injustices brought on by incarnations of evil in our government. I fully doubt she knows that Stephen Miller, a Jew, has a goal of deporting over a million people. While I could try and school her, she and others bury their heads in religion and it is futile to reach them. I guess i have lost another friend. Thanks for hearing me.
I am anxiously awaiting part 2. I have reread this post and discovered so much more. When target capitulated and did away with DEI. I saw the suggestion made by someone to give target up for Lent. I did and have missed a few items that I usually purchase there. Now with Lent over I think I'll continue the boycott until Pentecost. After that I will find another ecclesiastical day as a new benchmark. All this just to say I am in complete agreement.
I love your writing style, Joy. I can hear your beautiful voice narrating as I read the words. Zayre’s and Woolco? Damn I feel old.😆
I shopped at Walmart even though I hate Walmart… Kathie Lee’s Buy American Buy Walmart with her imported clothing line and the fact that I could never get out of that store for under a hundred bucks. I was buying my kids diapers there too in the oughts. My mom’s best friend worked there for over 20 years, probably retired from there. My feelings about Walmart have not changed, and Target isn’t much better in the end. It’s all about self preservation for some. It eventually becomes obvious, especially with douche bags like Mango Mussolini.
What a great history lesson, Joy! I learn much from you and I'm grateful! Thanks and keep up the good, causing-good-trouble work!
I just read that DOGE is, this afternoon, dismantling the Woolworth Counter display at the Smithsonian because it is 'too woke'? How is the Smithsonian letting this happen? How is the US I knew until Jan 20, 2025 letting DOGE has so much autonomy and authority? I have emailed my elected officials. I am sure they are tired hearing from me. Are they going to attack the African American History Museum in its entirety?