Rev. Al Sharpton Hosts Harlem Costco Buy-In Supporting Companies Committed to DEI

Rev. Al Sharpton hosts a buy-in at Costco in Harlem, rallying support for the retailer's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Al Sharpton

Rev. Al Sharpton is calling on Americans to take a stand against corporations rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Speaking on Monday, January 20, during a ceremony commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Metropolitan AME Church, Sharpton announced a nationwide boycott campaign targeting companies that have abandoned DEI initiatives under mounting political pressure.

Sharpton, founder of the National Action Network (NAN), discussed the importance of DEI programs as a remedy to systemic racial inequality.

“Why do we have DEI? We have DEI because you denied us diversity, you denied us equity, you denied us inclusion,” Sharpton declared to a crowd of supporters. “If you want to put us back in the back of the bus, we’re going to do the Dr. King-Rosa Parks on you.”

The reverend announced a 90-day review by a special council to identify companies that have rolled back their DEI commitments. Two of the most egregious offenders will be targeted for the boycott, which Sharpton says will hold corporations accountable for failing to uphold their promises of inclusivity.

Among the companies identified as scaling back DEI initiatives are McDonald’s, Meta, Walmart, John Deere, Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s, and Ford. Sharpton vowed to support organizations that continue to prioritize DEI, highlighting Costco as a prime example.

Today, Sharpton led a “buy-in” event at Costco in Harlem, where over 100 NAN members rallied to support the retailer’s unwavering commitment to DEI policies. Sharpton purchased 100 $25 gift certificates for attendees, encouraging them to shop at Costco as a symbol of solidarity with the company’s values.

Sharpton explained, “Costco immediately stepped out and said that they will not back off DEI,” Sharpton explained outside the store. “People that stand with us, we will stand with them. People that do not stand with us… we will not pay to be rejected and disrespected.”

The boycott announcement coincides with recent actions by former President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order to dismantle DEI programs in federal agencies. Trump’s move to end what he called “radical and wasteful” diversity policies underscores the political challenges DEI initiatives face on a national level.

Photo Credit: Instagram – @Real_Sharpton