Jamaicans in the US are participating in a spending boycott to protest cuts to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives by the Trump Administration. Organized by The People’s Union USA, the boycott urges individuals to avoid spending on major retailers and supports local businesses instead. The movement has garnered support from numerous community leaders and seeks to uphold fairness in DEI practices.
Jamaicans residing in the United States are set to participate in a nationwide spending boycott aimed at protesting cuts to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives by the Donald Trump Administration. This boycott, organized by The People’s Union USA, encourages individuals to refrain from non-essential purchases for 24 hours, with a focus on avoiding major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and McDonald’s, promoting support for local businesses instead.
Dr. Allan Cunningham, a notable figure within the Jamaican diaspora, expressed his solidarity with the initiative, asserting the importance of action over words. Similarly, Juliet Mattadeen, a retired real estate broker, voiced her agreement with the boycott, deeming the group’s requests reasonable. Patrick Callum, leader of the New York Chapter of the Jamaica Labour Party’s G2K affiliate, also confirmed his participation, highlighting the necessity of preserving fairness in DEI efforts.
In Pennsylvania, Stafford Grant, president of Ex-Service Men and Women of Jamaica, declared his full support for the boycott, emphasizing the need for minorities to defend their interests. Connecticut’s Mark Millward, editor of the Caribbean American Diaspora newspaper, alongside retired healthcare worker Ferris McLean-Edwards, committed to supporting the boycott. Retail employee Damion Bailey noted his participation was a matter of circumstance, as he would lack finances to spend during the boycott.
The People’s Union USA received backing from the National Action Network, a civil rights organization founded by Rev. Al Sharpton, although they are not directly involved in the boycott’s planning. The organization promotes a vision of collective empowerment among individuals seeking to reclaim their economic and political influence. Historically, DEI programs trace back to a 1965 Executive Order from President Lyndon B. Johnson that mandated non-discrimination in government hiring.
The upcoming boycott organized by Jamaicans in the United States seeks to challenge recent DEI funding cuts by promoting economic resistance against large corporations. The initiative has garnered widespread support from various community leaders and organizations, emphasizing the collective effort to uphold principles of equity and representation. This action highlights the ongoing need for advocacy within minority communities and aims to create lasting impacts on corporate policies regarding diversity.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
