Jamaicans in U.S. Unite for Nationwide Boycott Over DEI Cuts

Jamaicans in the U.S. are joining a nationwide spending boycott against large corporations perceived to undermine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. The People’s Union USA organized the protest, calling for a 24-hour economic blackout to support local businesses and resist purchases from major retailers. The initiative has garnered support from various community members and organizations, emphasizing the collective fight for fairness and representation.

Jamaicans residing in the United States are participating in a nationwide boycott today, protesting what they perceive as an assault on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives by the Donald Trump Administration. Organized by The People’s Union USA, this protest asks individuals to refrain from all spending, with the exception of essential purchases, for 24 hours.

The boycott urges participants to abstain from spending at large corporations such as Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and McDonald’s. Instead, it advocates for supporting local businesses and avoiding credit or debit card transactions, particularly for online shopping. Notably, Dr. Allan Cunningham, a prominent figure in the Jamaican diaspora, supports this initiative.

Community members across various states have expressed their commitment to this cause. Patrick Callum, leader of the New York Chapter of G2K associated with the ruling Jamaica Labour Party, emphasizes that The People’s Union USA’s action is vital for maintaining fairness. In Pennsylvania, Stafford Grant, president of Ex-Service Men and Women of Jamaica, reinforces the importance of standing against systemic oppression.

Mark Millward, founder of the Caribbean American Diaspora newspaper in Connecticut, and Ferris McLean-Edwards, a retired healthcare worker, have pledged their support for the boycott, reflecting widespread agreement among those affected. Furthermore, the boycott has garnered backing from the National Action Network (NAN), founded by renowned civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton, although NAN is not directly involved in organizing the event.

The DEI framework dates back to a 1965 Executive Order by President Lyndon B. Johnson aimed at equitable hiring practices. This current boycott is the first in a series of targeted economic actions against specific retailers, with subsequent boycotts planned against Amazon, Nestle, and Walmart throughout March and April.

The nationwide boycott organized by The People’s Union USA has drawn significant support from the Jamaican community in the United States, reflecting a unified stance against perceived threats to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. With participation from various community leaders and organizations, this economic action seeks to illuminate issues of fairness and representation while promoting the support of local businesses in place of major corporations. The DEI movement, established to ensure equitable treatment, continues to be relevant, and the planned series of boycotts signals ongoing community activism.

Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com