Al Sharpton meets with Target's CEO amid DEI backlash, says meeting was 'very constructive and candid'

Says meeting was ‘very constructive and candid’

- by Anne D'innocenzio AP Retail Writer

Target's chief executive officer met Thursday with the Rev. Al Sharpton, whose civil rights organization has encouraged consumers to avoid U.S. retailers that scaled back their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Sharpton called the meeting with Target CEO Brian Cornell "very constructive and candid," according to an update from his National Action Network. Two other NAN representatives, National Board Chair Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson and Senior Advisor Carra Wallace, also attended the meeting at the organization's New York headquarters.

"I am going to inform our allies, including Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, of our discussion, what my feelings are, and we will go from there," Sharpton said in a statement.