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BOYCOTTS: ARE THEY A WASTE OF TIME IN 2025?

Rev. Al Sharpton recently reignited the conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with his call for a boycott of corporations eliminating these initiatives. Sharpton’s speech, delivered at the National Action Network’s rally in Washington, D.C., on Martin Luther King Day, was a direct response to Donald Trump’s executive order ending DEI programs at the federal level.

While Sharpton emphasized the historical significance of DEI as a remedy for institutionalized racism, I argue it’s time for Black Americans to remove the “training wheels” of DEI and affirmative action. Without unity, these tools, no matter how well-intentioned, will never lead to lasting progress.

The Facts: Rev. Al Sharpton’s Call to Action

Sharpton highlighted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, noting that DEI principles were designed to combat racial inequality in academia and corporate spaces. He reminded the audience of the systemic exclusion that made such initiatives necessary, stating:

“Why do we have DEI? We have DEI because you denied us diversity, you denied us equity, you denied us inclusion.”

With dozens of Fortune 500 companies—like Walmart, McDonald’s, and Meta—abandoning DEI programs in the wake of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling, Sharpton announced plans for the National Action Network to investigate these corporations. Within 90 days, NAN will name two companies to target for boycotts, urging Americans to “not buy where you are not respected.”

Sharpton’s rhetoric invokes the spirit of past civil rights movements, comparing his proposed boycott to Dr. King and Rosa Parks’ historic efforts. Yet, despite the emotional appeal, I believe we need to question whether boycotting and DEI can truly uplift our community without a foundational shift in mindset and unity.

Taking Off the Training Wheels: Why DEI and Boycotting Are Not Enough

While DEI and affirmative action have opened doors for minorities, they cannot substitute for collective self-empowerment. Black Americans must confront a painful truth: we are often our own worst enemies. Here are 10 reasons why internal challenges continue to hold us back:

  1. Lack of Unity: Unlike other communities, we often fail to stand together when it matters most. Disputes over status, identity, and ego prevent us from building a unified front.

  2. Jealousy and Competition: Instead of celebrating each other’s successes, we frequently tear one another down. This infighting weakens our collective progress.

  3. Materialism Over Legacy: We prioritize flashy possessions over long-term wealth-building strategies like land ownership, investments, and education.

  4. Intra-Community Prejudice: Many African Americans harbor biases against Black immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean, further fragmenting our community.

  5. Lack of Sacrifice: Progress requires sacrifice, but many are unwilling to forego comfort for the greater good.

  6. Dependence on External Solutions: DEI and affirmative action are tools, but they are not cures. We cannot rely solely on external policies to fix internal issues.

  7. Failure to Support Black Businesses: Other communities prioritize keeping their money within their group. We often overlook or undervalue Black-owned enterprises.

  8. Mimicking Negative Stereotypes: Media portrayal of Black culture often highlights dysfunction, and we sometimes adopt these harmful narratives rather than rejecting them.

  9. Short-Term Thinking: Too often, we focus on immediate gratification rather than long-term goals that benefit future generations.

  10. Resistance to Collective Identity: Many of us reject the notion of being “our brother’s keeper,” failing to recognize that community advancement requires shared responsibility.

A New Path Forward: Building Self-Sufficiency and Unity

Instead of focusing solely on boycotts and DEI, we must redirect our energy toward self-empowerment and collaboration. Here’s how we can start:

  1. Celebrate Each Other: Make a conscious effort to uplift and support fellow Black individuals, whether they’re from America, Africa, or the Caribbean.

  2. Invest in Black-Owned Businesses: Spend your dollars within the community to build economic power and self-reliance.

  3. Embrace Sacrifice: Be willing to endure short-term discomfort for long-term progress.

  4. Educate Ourselves and Our Children: Teach financial literacy, history, and skills that promote independence and resilience.

  5. Unify in Purpose: Set aside petty disputes and come together for common goals that benefit the entire community.

  6. Develop Long-Term Strategies: Shift our focus from immediate gains to sustainable solutions that build generational wealth and influence.

  7. Hold Each Other Accountable: Encourage accountability within the community without resorting to destructive criticism.

  8. Reject Negative Narratives: Refuse to internalize stereotypes and promote positive representations of Black culture.

  9. Collaborate Across Borders: Strengthen ties with Black communities worldwide to build a global network of support and resources.

  10. Be Our Own Opportunity: Recognize that true progress will come from within. We must create opportunities for ourselves rather than waiting for others to include us.

Final Thoughts

Rev. Al Sharpton’s call for a boycott is a reminder of the power of collective action, but it’s also a wake-up call. Boycotts alone won’t save us. DEI programs and affirmative action can open doors, but they cannot force us to walk through them united.

The time has come to take off the training wheels and realize our potential as a people. Unity, self-reliance, and a commitment to progress are the keys to breaking free from the cycles of dependency and division. Until we embrace these principles, no external policy or boycott will ever truly work.

BOYCOTTS: ARE THEY A WASTE OF TIME IN 2025?

About The Author

LANCESCURV IS A SOCIAL MEDIA PROVOCATEUR | ILLUSTRATOR/CARTOONIST | PODCASTER | CULTURE CRITIC | DIGITAL NOMAD WHO FOCUSES ON THE INTRICACIES OF HUMAN NATURE, TRENDING NEWS & THOUGHT-PROVOKING TOPICS OF INTEREST. HE IS NYC BORN & RAISED, WHO HAS PERMANENTLY RELOCATED TO GHANA, NOW A PROUD GHANAIAN CITIZEN. RETIRED AND NOW A FULL TIME CONTENT CREATOR HAPPILY RECLUSIVE AND TUCKED AWAY IN THE SCENIC MOUNTAINS OF WEST AFRICA FAR AWAY FROM THE MADNESS OF AMERIKKKA.

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