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Edited by: TJVNews.com
Rev. Al Sharpton, along with around 100 supporters, staged a demonstration at an East Harlem Costco on Saturday, rallying behind the wholesale giant’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices. According to a report in The New York Post, Sharpton and the National Action Network (NAN) organized the event to counteract President Trump’s recent executive order targeting DEI initiatives within federal agencies.
Patrice Perry, crisis director for NAN, emphasized the importance of supporting companies that continue to champion DEI principles. “We’re supporting those who are not rolling back DEI,” Perry told The New York Post. The group’s presence at Costco was both a symbolic stand and a practical effort, with attendees encouraged to shop at the store as part of what Sharpton referred to as a “buy-cott.”
Leading a buy-in with 100+ @NationalAction members at the @Costco location in Harlem, NYC to show support for the company’s strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
This comes as DEI policies face growing attacks from both President Trump and the private… pic.twitter.com/D2eYTeAZlV
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) January 25, 2025
President Trump’s executive order this week marked a significant rollback of federal DEI initiatives. The order placed federal employees working on DEI programs on paid leave and shut down offices dedicated to advancing diversity. Trump labeled the initiatives as “illegal discrimination” and framed his decision as a return to “merit-based opportunity,” as reported by The New York Post.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights advocates, including Sharpton, who described the order as an “outright affront” to Black and brown communities. During the Costco demonstration, Sharpton highlighted the need to support corporations that remain committed to inclusion and equity. “We will stand with those who stand with us,” Sharpton said, adding a humorous jab about searching for a “President Trump punching bag” at the big-box store.
While Sharpton and NAN praised Costco’s commitment to DEI, The New York Post noted that 98% of Costco’s shareholders recently rejected a proposal to evaluate the risks posed by its DEI practices. Despite this overwhelming vote, Costco has continued to uphold its diversity initiatives, making it a focal point of support for advocates like Sharpton.
Participants at the event expressed solidarity with Costco’s stance and a broader frustration with Trump’s actions. Ted Burroughs, a 46-year-old grant writer from Brooklyn, told The New York Post that his shopping trip was both a practical and political act. “We gotta support companies that really are there for us, that really are for inclusion,” he said, adding that he planned to avoid spending money at businesses that ignore DEI concerns.
The demonstration also drew prominent figures, including Korey Wise, a member of the “Central Park Five” who was wrongfully convicted in the 1989 case. Wise, now a vocal activist, shared his perspective with The New York Post. “We gotta keep our seatbelt on,” he said. Referring to Trump, he added, “Trump is a piece of work. He’s a rollercoaster ride.”
Sharpton’s NAN is now compiling a list of companies that have abandoned DEI initiatives, with the intent of organizing targeted boycotts. “We gotta keep our dollars away from those who don’t take our concerns seriously,” Burroughs remarked during the event, as reported by The New York Post.
DEI initiatives, originally designed to diversify the workforce and promote equity, have faced growing criticism in recent years. Critics argue that these programs amount to “reverse discrimination” and disadvantage white applicants, a point amplified by conservative voices and Trump’s administration. However, supporters such as Sharpton and NAN see DEI as a necessary tool to address systemic inequities and create opportunities for marginalized groups, The New York Post explained.
The East Harlem Costco event reflects a growing divide over DEI practices in both corporate and governmental contexts. Sharpton and NAN’s efforts to rally support for companies like Costco aim to counterbalance policies that they view as harmful to racial and social equity. As The New York Post reported, the organization’s planned boycott list represents a proactive strategy to amplify the voices of those who feel sidelined by recent policy shifts.
