Community leaders call for Walmart boycott in response to DEI elimination

A coalition of community members, faith leaders, and activists is calling for a boycott of the Roebuck Walmart in Birmingham, starting this Black Friday. The action comes in response to Walmart’s recent announcement that it will eliminate its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

The boycott will begin at 8:00 AM on Friday, November 29, at the Walmart located at 9248 Parkway E, Birmingham, AL 35206. Organizers are encouraging the public to participate in what they describe as a call for corporate accountability and a stand for economic equity.

Walmart’s decision includes the discontinuation of efforts designed to address systemic inequities, particularly those supporting Black merchant suppliers and other programs introduced after the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

“We as community members recognize the power of our dollars,” said Birmingham Organizers in a statement. “By choosing where it’s spent, a clear message is sent that corporations must prioritize supporting and uplifting minority communities. Our spending habits have driven change throughout our nation’s history and can still do so. We must ensure that our dollars are spent with those who reflect our values.”

Organizers are drawing parallels between this boycott and Alabama’s historical legacy of economic activism, such as the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott, which demonstrated the power of unified resistance.

“If Alabama has shown anything, it’s that when we stick together, we can create lasting change with the power of our persistence! Alabama holds a proud legacy of overcoming systemic barriers through collective action. The Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 demonstrated the strength of unified resistance and the profound impact that economic pressure can have in achieving justice and equity. This Friday’s Walmart boycott seeks to honor that legacy by holding corporations accountable for their lack of commitment and support for diverse and minority communities,” said organizers.

The boycott aims to pressure Walmart to reinstate its DEI initiatives and its support for minority entrepreneurs. Organizers also encourage the public to redirect their spending toward local businesses or companies that uphold DEI values.

“We encourage everyone to participate in the boycott by abstaining from shopping at Walmart on Friday. Instead, it’s suggested to support local businesses or companies that actively champion minority communities and value DEI principles,” they said. “We are calling on individuals across the state—and beyond—to stand in solidarity by boycotting Walmart this Friday and urging the company to restore its commitment to DEI and support for minority entrepreneurs.”The boycott is led by local community members committed to fostering economic equity and corporate accountability. They emphasize the power of unity and intentional consumer habits in driving systemic change.

“Take a stand this Friday—because how we spend our dollars matters!” they concluded.

For more information about the boycott, visit the event’s location at the Roebuck Walmart or connect with local organizers online.