by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 17, 2025

Black Ministers, Civic Leaders Host Presidents Day Rally To Protest Trump Policies

The event will address plans of action primarily against Trump's anti-DEI legislation.

Black ministers will host a Presidents Day rally alongside ACLU leaders and their congregation to protest against the Trump Administration.

One of the officials leading the DC-based event will be Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, the newly appointed Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. According to a press release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, CEO and co-founder of Skinner Leadership Institute, and Sherrilyn Ifill, former president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, among other religious leaders, will help host the rally, taking place at Metropolitan AME church.

The event will address President Trump’s ongoing and harmful policies that are thwarting the progress of the Black community. Specifically, Trump’s anti-DEI legislation will become the topic of discussion. Speakers will encourage Black America to unite against this “chaos” sparked by the president.

Dr. Jamal Bryant, current lead pastor of Metro Atlanta’s Newbirth Baptist Church, will also speak at the rally. Bryant recently called for a 40-day spending fast from Target over its cutback on DEI initiatives. He intends to provide an update on the boycott at the event.

Bishop Jackson also shared a statement emphasizing the need for a unifying rally. He hopes to inspire the Black community not to succumb to despair but to spark change through faith and collective action.

“In less than a month, the Trump Administration has sought to end DEI and the teachings of Black History; has reprioritized the Justice Department Division of Civil Rights, weakening the fight against bias and discrimination; and has instead prioritized the implementation of Project 2025, such as negating the 1964 Civil Rights Bill and shutting down the Department of Education, which oversees a multitude of programs which benefit Blacks and people of color,” stated Bishop Jackson. “The chaos and actions of hate by Donald Trump and his administration should not surprise any of us. The wannabe dictator is a true racist, and the African American community will be joining together on President’s Day to make it clear we are not afraid, that faith and fear do not go together, and in the words of the black spiritual, ain’t nobody gonna turn us around.”

The event’s location also symbolizes justice for the community. Metropolitan AME Church made headlines earlier this year for a judgment that included the rights to and awarding of $2.8 million against the hate extremist group “Proud Boys,” whose members vandalized the religious establishment in 2020.

As for Bishop Jackson, the religious leader also has a background in rallying his congregation toward civic action. Ahead of his appointment as the 132nd elected Bishop to AME’s second district, he led a Get Out The Vote operation that sparked a historic Black voter turnout while serving as Bishop over Georgia’s sixth district. Now, Bishop Jackson aims to promote civic engagement that opposes the Trump administration and its regressive policies.

The rally begins at 11 a.m. on the U.S. federal holiday.

Black businesses, report, growth, Starting businesses, economy,

by Daniel Johnson

February 17, 2025

Report Reveals Barriers Black Entrepreneurs Face, Despite Growth And Economic Promise

According to the report, Black-owned businesses could help give the economy a boost, if they receive proper investment.

Although Black-owned businesses have slowly ticked up from where they were in 2019, they still lag what they would look like were their numbers proportional to the 14% of the United States population.

According to a report from the Pew Research Center, in 2022, Black businesses made up approximately 3% of all U.S. businesses identifiable by race or ethnicity. Furthermore, they only accounted for 1% of gross revenue from all companies that could be classified in that same year.

As the numbers allude to, Black-owned businesses don’t generate more revenue because most of them, 71%, have small workforces, defined as between one and nine employees.

Another reason, as National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial described in a 2024 report compiled by Third Way, is the systemic lack of equitable resources for and underinvestment in Black entrepreneurs.

“Business ownership directly leads to economic empowerment and wealth creation, but far too many Black entrepreneurs continue to struggle with systemic barriers that make it difficult to be successful,” Morial said. “Despite the challenges, Black entrepreneurship is growing at the fastest pace in 30 years. It is essential to recognize the resilience and innovation of Black-owned businesses and realize how far as a nation we must still go to ensure Black entrepreneurs have equal opportunity to start and scale their ventures.”

The Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity, a joint venture between Third Way and the National Urban League, released the report “The State of Black Businesses” to provide experts, policymakers, and advocates to understand the unique positioning of Black businesses within the context of the larger American economy.

After briefly discussing the failed promise of Reconstruction, the report touched on what today’s Black entrepreneurs face, much like their predecessors did in the time preceding the civil rights movement.

“Today, these communities are still subject to discrimination, exclusion, and economic exploitation, perpetuating cycles of inequality. The economic landscape for Black entrepreneurs remains fraught with obstacles. Despite advancements in civil rights and the emergence of affirmative action policies, disparities persist in access to capital, markets, and resources. The consequences of these disparities are far-reaching, contributing to lower rates of business ownership, limited growth opportunities, and higher rates of business closures among Black-owned enterprises,” the report stated.

Despite these challenges, however, there is hope for Black-owned businesses moving forward, as Brookings Metro Senior Fellow Andre Perry presented new data in 2024 that showed the benefits of investors inserting capital into Black-owned businesses.

Indeed, according to NetChoice’s analysis of the presentation of data by Perry and subsequent panel discussion from Erika Seth Davies, CEO of Rhia Ventures; Stacey Bowers, Director of the Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; Patrice Green, Vice President of Programs, Surdna Foundation; and Alphonso David, President and CEO of Global Black Economic Forum, Black-owned businesses represent untapped potential that could help grow the economy, but they need to be nourished first.

As NetChoice’s Public Affairs Intern, Zoey Foster, wrote, “Black-owned businesses stimulate the economy and represent expanded American entrepreneurialism with high growth potential. Increased entrepreneurship in minority populations has meaningful societal and economic impacts, especially regarding better socioeconomic conditions and a boosted economy.”

BLACK ENTERPRISE MADE HISTORY WITH THE FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT

by Derek T. Dingle

February 17, 2025

BLACK ENTERPRISE MADE HISTORY WITH THE FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT

BE has covered every step of this political change agent's ascent

Barack Obama is sworn in as the President of the United States — the first African American to achieve that pinnacle of power.

BLACK ENTERPRISE has covered every step of this political change agent’s ascent, starting with his campaign for the US Senate in 2004; the series of presidential primaries and the presidential election in 2008. During his first term, we covered and dissected his policies, among others, that stabilized a national economy teetering on the brink of the next Depression; helped repair a wrecked domestic auto industry; and led to the passage of the Affordable Care Act — better known as Obamacare — enacting historic healthcare reform that eluded his presidential predecessors. His unassailable performance, unflappable demeanor, restoration of American respectability and leadership across the globe; and strategic prowess in defeating his conservative opposition led to his re-election to a second term in November 2012.

As Obama remade the nation and broke barriers, our publication achieved an array of journalistic milestones: During his first run, BE openly backed Obama; the first time our publication ever endorsed a presidential contender, consistently took a front-row seat at presidential press conferences; gained the first post- Inauguration interview; was included in an interview session on Air Force One; and engaged in a one-on-one with a sitting president in the Oval Office. As he faced some of the challenging issues of our times, BE witnessed and chronicled how Obama infused a nation with hope.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee black business disctrict

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 17, 2025

Black Business District In Tennessee Finally Gets Due Recognition With Historical Plaque

From the mid-1800s to the 1970s, an area of Murfreesboro had an array of Black-owned businesses.

A Black business district in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, has finally gotten its overdue recognition with a historical plaque.

As Black History Month continues, downtown Murfreesboro is honoring its history of Black entrepreneurs championing the city. From the mid-1800s to the 1970s, its streets had various Black-owned businesses and patrons to match. Residents still remember its old days where Black people could thrive despite living in the Jim Crow south.

“I am from Rutherford County – been here all my life,” explained native resident Mary Watkins to WKRN. “Families would be here. They would go into the Black business establishments, buy burgers, all that kind of stuff had pool halls here.”

This history has stayed with Watkins throughout her lifetime. She now hopes to keep this recognition alive. Before stepping down as the President of the African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County, Watkins and others ensured its legacy with a new plaque honoring the business district.

She added “The young generation and the generations to come need to know whose shoulders they’re standing on.”

Businesses from groceries to doctors’ offices and funeral homes thrived on the land. It brought in customers from a nearby residential area also historically known as “The Bottoms,” given the name due to its flooding issues and mixture of poor Black and white people.

While living in the area, its retail streets treated Black customers with a respect seldom found elsewhere.

“This was it for us (Black people), because we couldn’t go at that time to a lot of other establishments and sit down and eat even though if you could go to a store and buy something but then you couldn’t sit down,” she said. “Here we were at home.”

Its plaque, paid for by Main Street Murfreesboro, serves as a long-lasting reminder of the businesses that came before. These shops shut down over time due to numerous factors, such as desegregation, urban renewal, and gentrification.

Despite this, these companies remain revered for offering a dignified experience alongside their usual services.

“We’re all about the preservation of historic downtown and that means telling the stories from downtown’s past,” explained Sarah Callender, executive director of Main Street Murfreesboro. “I think the importance is remembering the stories from the past, learning from mistakes of the past and celebrating those people like she said who we stand on their shoulders.”

The two parties are still seeking photographs of this storied district, encouraging those with information to contact the Heritage Society.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 17, 2025

Shaboozey Wants Record Labels To Better Support Artists With Financial Help And Health Insurance

Shaboozey reflected on his own struggle to receive healthcare when he was signed to a major label.

As artists call out the lopsided support from their record labels, Shaboozey is also speaking out on what musicians need.

The past year has been monumental for Shaboozey. The country artist broke records with his smash No. 1 hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and a feature on Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” album. However, the singer is no stranger to the hardships faced when first breaking into the industry.

In an interview with AOL about his Cash App collaboration, Shaboozey discussed how record labels could better support artists.

“I think labels and executives do put a lot of pressure on artists. It’s a lot having to create, go into a studio, have all these ideas… Be weird, be fresh, take care of your mental health, take care of your physical health, and then, on top of that, [you] have to make sure you’re doing the little things like taxes or insurance,” explained the country star. “Those are regular things that adult humans have to do to survive, but I think labels can ease the process for the artists who are out there day in and day out being front-facing. We need supporters.”

Shaboozey is partnering with Cash App to release its Tortoise card, a prepaid debit card, for money management. While doing so, he reflected on struggling with his health and wellness despite being signed to a major label.

He continued, “I remember times where I was under the weather and needed medical support… I was like, “I’m not even insured, even though I’m signed to a big label!” I didn’t even know if we got benefits. I think there needs to be a conversation surrounding artists’ financial health and well-being.”

Although the 29-year-old has earned success, he still noted how predatory record labels can be toward their artists.

He added, “A lot of artists are taken advantage of, and it’s really mentally and emotionally draining, no matter what level you’re at.”

Since breaking into mainstream music, Shaboozey’s new goal is to be financially secure. Now, he advocates for financial empowerment within and beyond the entertainment industry. In doing so, Shaboozey is standing with his fellow artists in their stance for labels to support them back.

New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban, (NYPD), NYC Police Commissioner Resigns After Phone Seizure As Feds Probe Multiple City Officials

by Daniel Johnson

February 16, 2025

Complaint: NYC’s Former Top Cop Edward Caban’s Twin Impersonated Him In Scheme To Facilitate ‘Illegal Activities’ At Clubs

Eric Sanders, the lawyer representing Rodriques, said in a statement that the complaint exposes rank corruption at the upper levels of the NYPD.

A federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint filed on Feb. 13 by NYPD Lt. Emelio Rodriques alleges that James Caban, the twin brother of former Police Commissioner Edward Caban, occasionally impersonated him with the help of Inspector Aneudy Castillo.

As The Gothamist reports, Rodriques’ complaint describes the occasions Caban switched places, which were made possible by Castillo, the 34th Precinct’s commanding officer’s deception.

Rodriques told The New York Post, “The CO would always say ‘Caban is coming.’ We just thought it was the commissioner. I saluted him. Other cops also saluted him.”

NEW: Whistleblower alleges the twin brother of ex-NYPD commish Edward Caban impersonated him to stop cops from probing illegal protection fees.
“We just thought it was the commissioner. I saluted him. Other cops also saluted him.”
via @TinaMoorereport https://t.co/IVYD0NDjla
— Susan Edelman (@SusanBEdelman) February 15, 2025

Per Rodriques’ complaint, Castillo and other officers impressed upon him that any nightclubs or other establishments tied to James Caban were “off limits to police oversight” and that officers were told to close out complaints from the public regarding those businesses without actually investigating them.

Rodriques, a Jamaica-born man, said that in his attempts to report this misconduct, he faced discrimination and retaliation based on his race and nationality; Rodriques also maintained that he was charged with ensuring that other officers complied with the law as part of his duty as the precinct’s integrity control officer until Castillo removed him.

Castillo, however, forcefully maintains that Rodriques’s allegations against him are false in a statement he sent via email to The Gothamist.

“Nothing would please me more than to respond to those lies,” Castillo said before noting that for him to respond in any official capacity, he needed clearance from the NYPD press office.

The NYPD chose not to comment to the outlet on the record, but Rodriques’ complaint sets forth that there is “widespread corruption and abuse of power” in the 34th Precinct.

Edward Caban’s resignation came in September, after the Biden administration’s Justice Department separately began to investigate corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams, while the IRS and the US Attorney’s Office in Manhattan were investigating Caban.

According to a press release issued by The Sanders Firm, the law firm representing Rodriques, the NYPD “engaged in racial discrimination, subjected him to a hostile work environment, and retaliated against him for exposing corruption and misconduct within the department.”

Eric Sanders, the lawyer representing Rodriques, said in a statement that the complaint exposes rank corruption at the upper levels of the NYPD.

The press release also notes that the NYPD has 10 days to respond to the complaint, which, according to the date on the press release, gives them until Feb. 23.

The press release reads, “Lieutenant Rodrigues has dedicated over two decades to protecting and serving the people of New York, only to be repaid with retaliation, racial discrimination, and workplace harassment for doing the right thing. His case is a glaring example of the corruption within the NYPD’s upper ranks. No officer should be punished for refusing to engage in selective enforcement, payroll fraud, and cover-ups. We are calling for a full federal investigation into the practices of the NYPD and those responsible for Lieutenant Rodrigues’ mistreatment.”

by Daniel Johnson

February 16, 2025

DOGE Plans To Ramp Up DEI Purge, Leaked Documents Reveal

Leaked documents reveal Musk plans to fire workers tied to DEI roles, even if not explicitly labeled as such.

President Donald Trump has made no secret of his disdain for diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. To that end, leaked documents from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) show that the attacks will escalate to a full-on war over the next six months.

According to The Washington Post, DOGE employees will be pruning the jobs of staffers who don’t work in DEI roles and who work in offices that were established to protect equal rights, such as the EEOC, an office of Veterans Affairs that helps veterans receive equal access to much-needed care, and an office within Health and Human Services that provides information about the health of various minority populations.

Per the leaked documents, which the Post reports come from workers within DOGE, the next step for Musk and his Silicon Valley bros is to fire several workers whose roles are not explicitly DEI roles but are determined to be related to DEI.

This distinction is not clear at the moment, but the workers seem fairly certain that these moves will trigger another wave of legal challenges as they are most likely illegal.

The White House, however, is positioning DOGE’s actions to eliminate DEI as a check against waste, fraud, and abuse, per a White House spokesman’s comments to the Post on Feb. 14. The implication here, undoubtedly, is that DEI programs themselves are wasteful, fraudulent, and abusive.

“The White House’s position is that we are ridding the federal government of DEI, full stop,” a White House spokesman said. “DOGE is there as a collaborator ensuring that we get rid of waste, fraud, and abuse. And if DEI is waste, fraud, and abuse, it’s gone.”

For conservatives, DEI has largely become synonymous with Black Americans, but the term refers to large swaths of the population, like disabled persons, veterans, women, any ethnic minority, and individuals under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, for example.

According to Politico, DOGE and the Department of Education have already threatened to pull funding from state education departments if public schools and universities do not comply with its mandate to remove all diversity, equity, and inclusion programming within 14 days of receiving a letter penned by the department’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights, Craig Trainor.

The letter, they report, bases much of its argument on the 2023 Supreme Court decision to end race-based affirmative action in college admissions.

Trainor writes, “The law is clear: treating students differently on the basis of race to achieve nebulous goals such as diversity, racial balancing, social justice, or equity is illegal under controlling Supreme Court precedent.”

Democrats have already denounced Trainor’s letter as illegal, and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash) said in a press release that the letter is yet another example of the Trump administration (and DOGE) overstepping its legal bounds to target whatever they think is related to DEI.

“This threat to rip away the federal funding our public K-12 schools and colleges receive flies in the face of the law. I hope no parent, student, or teacher is intimidated by these threats—this former preschool teacher certainly is not. While it’s anyone’s guess what falls under the Trump administration’s definition of ‘DEI’, there is simply no authority or basis for Trump to impose such a mandate. In fact, federal laws prohibit ANY president from telling schools and colleges what to teach, including the Every Student Succeeds Act, that I negotiated with Republicans. I refuse to let Trump and Elon try to bully our schools from teaching students basic and important topics like the history of slavery or treatment of indigenous people in America or the powerful contributions of the civil rights movement,” Murray stated in the press release.

Hitman Howie Tee, Hip Hop, Mickey Factz, NYU

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 16, 2025

Gene ‘Groove’ Allen, Groove B. Chill Rapper And ‘House Party’ Actor, Dies At 62

Allen was also known for his character in the beloved 'House Party' film franchise.

Gene “Grove” Allen, actor and beloved member of the rap group Groove B. Chill, has died at 62.

A relative of Allen’s confirmed the news to TMZ. According to the publication, Allen died suddenly on Feb. 12 at his Maryland residence. Although the family suspects no foul play, the source deemed his death as a result of a medical emergency.

Born in Long Island, New York, Allen got his start in entertainment as a member of a 1980s rap group, The Uptown Crew. However, he later formed Groove B. Chill alongside fellow members Daryl “Chill” Mitchell and Belal “DJ Belal” Miller. The group released one album, “Starting From Zero,” in 1990, as confirmed by Billboard.

The musical trio also garnered fame for appearing in the “House Party” movie franchise. Allen continued acting, having small roles in 1992’s “Boomerang” starring Eddie Murphy, and the 1993 Tina Turner biopic “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” starring Angela Bassett.

In his later years, Allen worked in communal upliftment. He threw events nodding to his role in “House Party” to support veterans and military families. As part of the “House Party Immersive Tour,” Allen also dedicated his efforts to women’s shelters.

Days before his death, Allen also shared snippets of himself rapping to a song from his new EP, “Bring Back The Party.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gene Groove Allen (@genegrooveallen)

Allen is survived by his wife and three children. His daughter, Nikki Wilkins, also shared about her father’s unexpected passing on social media. She also condemned TMZ for breaking the news.

“Since TMZ acted like freaking vultures with ZERO etiquette, My father may have had he’s flaws but he was a man of his word,” Wilkins began the post. “Gene Groove Allen may be a celebrity to yall but to us he was the man who made sure we stayed smiling through this rollercoaster we call life. He is loved, he is needed and yes it was a total shock. I know he is watching over me & my siblings.”

by Daniel Johnson

February 16, 2025

Tuskegee Earns Bragging Rights Over Morehouse In NBA HBCU Classic

According to Harold Ellis, the Morehouse director of Athletics, the crowd of 19,596 at Oakland Arena was the largest crowd to ever at a Morehouse College game.

On Feb. 15, two sets of tigers, the Morehouse College Athletics Maroon Tigers, and the Tuskegee University Golden Tigers, faced off on national television for the right to earn bragging rights until next year’s NBA HBCU Classic, which the NBA began presenting alongside its All-Star festivities in 2022.

According to NBA.com, it was an entertaining and spirited contest, but the Tuskegee Golden Tigers ended up taking home the victory, 68-55. Kusamae Draper led the way for Tuskegee, contributing 22 points, and Kevin Sesberry and D’Anthony Pennington chipped in with 19 and 16-point efforts, respectively.

https://twitter.com/Tuskegee_MBB/status/1890919848911278400?s=19

Harold Ellis, the Morehouse director of Athletics, said on the TNT broadcast that the crowd of 19,596 at Oakland Arena was the largest crowd to ever witness a Morehouse College game, noting that the opportunity also presented players on both teams a chance to be seen by and to impress NBA scouts.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1890913720781463996?s=19

pic.twitter.com/BjmtYvEy9O
NBA Champion Channing Frye whose grandfather was a Tuskegee Airman, receives a Tuskegee bomber jacket from Tuskegee AD Reginald Ruffin at the HBCU Classic
— HBCU Premier Sports & More (@HBCUSports1) February 16, 2025

“We’re gonna get one opportunity to make a good impression,” Ellis said on the broadcast. “No matter what you’ve done the whole year, you come here today and you play well, all it takes is one scout to see you and that can take you to a different level.”

Conversely, Tuskegee’s coach, Benjy Taylor, echoed Morehouse College’s AD and pointed out that the game was a synergistic collaboration between the NBA and the HBCUs chosen to participate because of their traditions, on-court rivalry, and commitment to excellence.

“This is how you increase membership, viewership, HBCU basketball and the knowledge of players,” Taylor told NBA.com. “If you love basketball, you wouldn’t rather be in any other situation rather than what we’re in this weekend.”

https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/1890885112964800693?s=19

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s star point guard and a leading candidate for MVP, briefly spoke to each team before the game, telling the Morehouse College squad to “Play to be great. Don’t take any opportunity for granted. Go out there to win, and when you win, everything else falls in line.”

Taylor echoed the sentiments of SGA, as Gilgeous-Alexander is called by broadcasters, a truncated version of his name, telling NBA.com, “If you believe in yourself, you push yourself. We got to go pro in something. It’s good to hear that you can still become great for where you are.”

Ahead of the game, in a press release announcing the lineup of events surrounding the 2025 NBA HBCU Classic, the NBA’s Deputy Commissioner Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum touted the game’s prominent place on the league’s calendar.

“The NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T has become a highlight of the league calendar as we continue to use our platform to celebrate HBCU culture and traditions,” Tatum said. “We’re excited to showcase a conference matchup between two historic programs in Morehouse College and Tuskegee University, while also providing career development opportunities that elevate the experience for HBCU students throughout the weekend.”

AT&T’s Chief Diversity Officer Michelle Jordan echoed Tatum’s comments. AT&T is the principal sponsor of the NBA HBCU Classic.

“AT&T is excited to present the 2025 NBA HBCU Classic,” Jordan said. “We’re proud to support the next generation of scholars, athletes, and future makers as they make meaningful connections and gain the right tools to reach their dreams. Our support helps to connect students and athletes to greater possibilities while creating an engaging experience for NBA fans.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 16, 2025

Where Not To Spend Your Money: NAACP Drops Guide Detailing Companies That Ditched DEI

The guide lists which companies have stood by and recently dropped their DEI programs and commitments.

The NAACP has released a new spending guide for Black Americans that lists the companies that have kept or dropped their DEI initiatives.

As a wave of boycotts combats the recent anti-DEI shift, the civil rights organization is helping Black Americans spend their dollars wisely. The spending guide details brands’ current stance on DEI policies, many of which launched in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020.

The guide details not only which companies have formally disbanded their DEI commitments but also how. The advisory lists brands that have eliminated DEI departments or positions that focus on uplifting diversity. It also lists those that have backtracked on goals for diverse supplier contracts and staffing quotas. Furthermore, the guide states which companies have walked back on investments in HBCUs.

According to the NAACP, the spending guide emphasizes Black Americans’ power in the retail and consumer space. They noted that diversity efforts should be championed by both businesses and the demographic alike. Moreover, they noted that DEI programs can directly help the advancement of Black people.

“Diversity is better for the bottom line,” explained NAACP President Derrick Johnson to The Associated Press. “In a global economy, those who reject the multicultural nature of consumerism and business will be left in the past they are living in.”

As the guide spreads across the internet, the NAACP is meeting with big-name companies, such as Walmart, Amazon, and McDonald’s, to discuss their changes to DEI programming and the fallout with Black consumers. Another company that faced immediate calls for boycotts, Target, will also reportedly meet with NAACP leaders.

However, the guide praised companies like Costco and Ben & Jerry’s for standing firm in their DEI practices. Amid the Trump administration’s nationwide crackdown, Trump has faced significant pushback and subsequent lawsuits. Since the executive order against DEI was signed, it has permeated standalone companies’ ethos.

For Johnson, explicitly listing these companies aims to hold them accountable with this massive consumer base. While noting that Black people are more likely to reside in consumer deserts, a study by McKinsey also estimated that Black American’s spending power can reach $1.7 trillion by 2030.

He added, “If corporations want our dollars, they better be ready to do the right thing.”