Tabitha Brown Warns Boycotting Target Could Hurt Black-Owned Businesses: “Sales Will Drop” [Video]

Tabitha Brown, beloved actress, entrepreneur, and lifestyle influencer, took to Instagram to address the Target DEI rollbacks that have sparked widespread outrage and concern.

Video

Speaking from the heart in a nearly 10-minute video, Brown discussed how the decision affects not only her own brand but also countless Black-owned and minority-owned businesses fighting to stay on retail shelves.

Brown opened her video by acknowledging how disheartening the news has been for her and the broader community. “It has been very hard for Black-owned businesses to hit shelves, which is why it’s such a big deal when we do,” she said. She reminded her followers that these rollbacks impact more than just her product line—Donna’s Recipe hair care—it affects women-owned and minority-owned businesses across the board.

While some have called for boycotts of Target and other corporations cutting back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Brown explained the challenges these actions can create for businesses like hers.

“If we all decide to boycott… our sales will drop. Our business will be hurt,” she said, explaining that reduced sales could give corporations justification to remove Black-owned products altogether.

Brown pointed out the logistical and financial hurdles small businesses face, from storing unsold inventory to finding alternative retail opportunities. She emphasized that boycotting without a strategy could unintentionally harm the very businesses the community wants to uplift.

Brown urged her followers to stay intentional and strategic, choosing to support specific brands within these major retailers while avoiding others. She encouraged the community to focus on preserving the momentum Black-owned businesses have worked so hard to achieve. “Don’t allow foolishness to take us into separation and weed us out,” she said, warning that corporations might use the narrative of poor performance to replace Black-owned brands with others.

While acknowledging the frustration many feel, Brown reminded viewers of the long road to building sustainable, Black-owned spaces in retail. She cited businesses like the Village Market in Atlanta, which supports small brands, but acknowledged that mass-market alternatives cannot be built overnight.

“Until we can get to another place, we unfortunately have to play the game,” she said. Brown encouraged the community to remain unified, avoid emotional decision-making, and focus on the bigger picture.

Brown ended her video with gratitude for those who have supported her over the years and a heartfelt message of resilience. “Don’t let them erase us. Numbers don’t lie. We’re needed. Our money is the dollar that really, really counts,” she said.

As Black History Month approaches, Brown highlighted the importance of showing up for brands that are being showcased for the first time, despite the timing of the DEI rollbacks. “These brands still need their moment,” she said, urging the community to lift each other up during difficult times.

Brown revealed that her partnership with Target is under contract for another year, at which point she will reassess her involvement. For now, she continues to sell her products not only at Target but also on platforms like Walmart and Amazon.

Her closing words resonated with many: “Let’s not give them what they want. Don’t let them take us off shelves.”