Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant and U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Partner to Launch 40-Day Target Fast

Movement Begins March 5th, Calling on 100,000 Participants to Support Black Businesses and Shift the Economic Ecosystem.

On Sunday, February 2nd, 2025, Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and Ron Busby Sr., President & CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), stood together in Atlanta, GA, to announce the launch of the 40-Day Target Fast, a peaceful and powerful movement designed to empower Black-owned businesses and demonstrate the economic influence of the Black and diverse dollar.

Starting March 5th, 2025, participants across the nation are being asked to pause shopping at Target and sell their Target stock for 40 days, redirecting their spending toward Black-owned businesses. The goal of this movement is to mobilize 100,000 participants or more, highlighting the significant impact and value of Black consumer spending as major corporations continue to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Key Dates:

• Fast Duration: March 5 – April 17, 2025
• Target Stockholders Meeting: June 12, 2025 (Minneapolis, MN)

The 40-Day Target Fast is a peaceful, strategic demonstration designed to hold Target accountable to its promises and ensure corporations prioritize diversity, equity, and justice. At the conclusion of the fast, we will collect data on the economic impact and seek a meeting with Target’s board to evaluate progress. If no progress is made, we will consider moving into Phase 2.

This is a fast for accountability, justice, and transformation—for a future where corporate pressure does not come at the expense of marginalized communities.

The Four Key Demands of Target:

1. Honor the $2 Billion Pledge to the Black business community through equitable investment in Black-owned products, services, and Black media buys.
2. Deposit $250 Million across any of the 23 Black-owned banks in the United States to support community lending and financial growth.
3. Completely Restore the Commitment to DEI and franchise initiatives, ensuring sustained investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of the company.
4. Establish Community Retail Pipeline Centers at 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to teach retail and business management at every level, creating future opportunities for Black entrepreneurs.

During his visit to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Ron Busby Sr. shared the urgency of this effort: “Black businesses are the backbone of America’s economy. This peaceful movement is a strategic demonstration of our economic power and a call to action for corporations to understand the value of DEI initiatives. By uniting with Dr. Bryant and mobilizing at least 100,000 participants, we aim to not only support Black-owned businesses but also show that neglecting diversity initiatives has long-term consequences.” — Ron Busby Sr., President & CEO, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.

How to Get Involved in the 40-Day Target Fast:

1. Become a USBC Member: Gain access to valuable resources by becoming a member at www.usblackchambers.org.
2. Sign Up: Join the movement by signing up at www.targetfast.org.
3. List Your Business on ByBlack: Black business owners can increase visibility by registering on www.byblack.us, the nation’s leading digital Black business directory.

The Mission and Impact

The 40-Day Target Fast is more than a boycott; it’s a strategic demonstration of economic influence and a call for systemic change. By redirecting spending toward Black-owned businesses, this movement seeks to:

• Empower Black Entrepreneurs: Provide Black businesses with the capital, exposure, and community support needed to grow.
• Shift the Economic Ecosystem: Highlight the critical role Black consumers play in driving the economy.
• Challenge Corporations: Encourage major companies to reconsider and reinvest in their diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments.

A Peaceful, Powerful Call to Action

“This movement is being carried out with peace and purpose,” added Busby. “It is not about harm—it’s about uplift. It’s about showing that our spending choices can help reshape the economy and create long-term opportunities for Black businesses.”

By March 5th, USBC and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church are asking for individuals, community groups, and organizations nationwide to participate and amplify this cause. With the power of collective action, this peaceful movement will make a lasting statement about the importance of corporate accountability, equity, and respect for Black consumers and entrepreneurs.

Join us today and be part of the movement to uplift Black businesses and shift the economic ecosystem.

For more information:

• Sign up for the Target Fast: www.targetfast.org
• Become a USBC Member: www.usblackchambers.org
• Register your business on ByBlack: www.byblack.us

Together, let’s create a future where Black businesses thrive, and economic equity is within reach.