NEW YORK, USA – A growing wave of economic activism has taken hold across the United States, as Jamaicans in the diaspora prepare to participate in a nationwide spending boycott aimed at pressuring corporations over their stance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
The boycott, spearheaded by the advocacy group The People’s Union USA, is set to last for 24 hours, urging consumers to refrain from making purchases from major corporations such as Amazon, Walmart, and McDonald’s. Instead, supporters are being encouraged to spend their money at small, community-based businesses and minimize the use of digital payments.
Dr. Allan Cunningham, a Florida-based former head of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council for the southern U.S., has thrown his support behind the movement. “I stand with this initiative because economic power is the strongest tool we have to demand change,” Cunningham said.
Other prominent members of the Jamaican diaspora have also pledged their support, including Juliet Mattadeen, a retired real estate broker, and Stafford Grant, president of the Ex-Service Men and Women of Jamaica organization in Pennsylvania.
“This is not just about DEI; it’s about ensuring that opportunities remain available for all people, including Caribbean immigrants and other minority communities,” Grant stated.
A Growing Movement
The economic boycott is part of a broader strategy, with additional week-long protests targeting major corporations scheduled in the coming months. Following today’s boycott, The People’s Union USA has announced planned actions against Amazon (March 7-14), Nestlé (March 21-28), and Walmart (April 7-13).
Consumer advocacy groups have framed the initiative as a necessary response to recent policy shifts under the Trump administration, which critics argue have weakened DEI initiatives in the workplace. While some large corporations have publicly committed to continuing their DEI efforts, activists insist that pressure must be applied to ensure accountability.
Mark Millward, founder of the Caribbean American Diaspora newspaper in Connecticut, emphasized that the boycott is more than just symbolic. “We want corporations to recognize that marginalized communities contribute significantly to the economy. If our dollars matter when we spend them, they should matter when we withhold them too.”
Corporate America in the Crosshairs
While some major companies have responded to public pressure by reaffirming their commitment to DEI, others have remained silent or have scaled back their initiatives. Organizations like the National Action Network (NAN), founded by civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton, have voiced their support for the boycott, though they are not directly involved in its planning.
“This movement sends a clear message,” said a spokesperson for NAN. “We support efforts that hold corporations accountable and ensure that fairness and opportunity remain central to business practices.”
Economic Activism on the Rise
With growing racial and social justice concerns, consumer-led boycotts have become an increasingly popular strategy for advocacy groups seeking tangible change. Studies have shown that economic pressure can be an effective tool in shaping corporate policy, making initiatives like today’s boycott a potential catalyst for broader conversations about corporate responsibility and social equity.
Whether these actions will lead to concrete changes remains to be seen, but for Jamaicans in the U.S. and other supporters of the movement, today’s boycott is a step toward reaffirming the importance of DEI in American business and society.
