January 27th 2025.
In a recent statement, Melissa Butler, the founder of The Lip Bar beauty company, addressed the concerns surrounding Target's decision to scale back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As a Black-owned business, Butler's products are among the many available at Target. However, this decision has sparked controversy and calls for a boycott of the store. Butler spoke out about the changes and the impact it could have on businesses like hers.
Butler expressed her disappointment and lack of surprise at Target's decision, stating that she always saw their 2020 commitments as a "farce." She believes that when companies are forced to make these types of commitments, they are not genuine. She also acknowledged that the current political climate, with the emboldening of companies by the Trump administration, may have influenced Target's decision.
While Butler does not know what the future holds for Target's DEI focus, she did address the potential consequences of boycotting the store. She explained that if consumers stop shopping at Target, it will directly impact businesses like hers that have products on their shelves. She also noted that many people have suggested shopping directly from Black-owned businesses, but she wants to remind everyone that boycotting these stores also affects the hundreds of other Black-owned and women-owned businesses that rely on them.
The calls for a boycott of Target have received both backlash and support. Some entrepreneurs, like Tabitha Brown, who has multiple collections at Target, have warned that this could have a devastating effect on small businesses. However, Brown has also faced criticism for seemingly prioritizing profits over the impact of these DEI cutbacks on the Black community.
In response to the backlash she received for her opinion, Butler posted another video encouraging her followers to tag their favorite Black-owned businesses to spread awareness. She also highlighted an issue with consumers not supporting Black brands as much as they could.
Butler acknowledges that the problem starts at home, with the lack of support for Black-owned businesses. She believes that for real change to happen, the Black community needs to keep their dollars within their own community. She reminds everyone that the lack of control and power in the business world is a result of constantly giving our money away to those who do not look like us.
In conclusion, Butler encourages everyone to support Black-owned businesses, not just in times of controversy, but consistently. She believes that this is the first step towards creating a more equitable and empowering future for the Black community.
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