When it comes to affecting a misbehaving corporation‘s bottom line, boycotts can serve as one of the sharpest arrows in our quiver.
Photo credit: Nataliya Vaitkevich, Pexels.com
Over the past decade, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs have been a driving force in corporate America, creating opportunities for Black-owned businesses (among others) through supplier diversity initiatives, targeted investments and community engagement. But under the second Trump administration in 2025, the social and business climates have shifted dramatically. Amid increasing political backlash, corporations are retreating from DEI commitments, dismantling programs and deprioritizing their relationships with Black entrepreneurs.
To Boycott or Not to Boycott: Is that Really the Question?
The question now facing Black consumers and business owners is stark: How do we navigate this economic reality? Do we boycott companies rolling back their DEI commitments, engage in strategic buying to uplift businesses that remain aligned with equity or pursue another approach altogether?
To unpack these challenges, BGX spoke with Terrance Mitchell, a leading sociologist specializing in race, economics and corporate DEI policy. Mitchell has spent two decades researching racial equity in business, is the author of numerous academic papers and is the executive director of the Council of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) at Mercyhurst University and a professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He told BGX while the current wave of anti-DEI sentiment is a significant setback, it also presents an opportunity for Black economic activism to evolve in new and impactful ways.
“We need to move beyond just spending power and start thinking about influence,” Dr. Mitchell advises. “Are we showing up at shareholder meetings? Are we tracking which companies are following through on their DEI promises? Are we using data to make the case that diversity isn’t just ethical — it’s profitable?”
Attacks on DEI: Predictable ... but Beatable
“When you have a presidential administration that openly challenges the legitimacy of DEI, corporations—many of which are driven by shareholder interests and public relations concerns —will follow suit,” Mitchell says. “What we’re witnessing now is a calculated retreat. The question for Black consumers and business owners is: How do we respond in a way that builds long-term economic power?”
For decades, boycotts have been a central tool of Black economic activism and an effort to demand accountability and change, from the Montgomery Bus Boycott to more recent efforts targeting brands that fail to support racial justice. Their results can be mixed, but boycotts can send a powerful message. However, Mitchell argues a more nuanced strategy is needed in 2025.
Modern Boycotts Need Modern Strategies “The reality is some of these corporations are so large that a traditional boycott won’t move the needle,” Mitchell says. “What will have more impact is strategic buying—redirecting our dollars toward businesses that align with our values and investing in Black-owned enterprises that strengthen our economic infrastructure.”
Strategic buying involves not just avoiding businesses that have abandoned DEI but actively supporting companies that continue to engage in equitable practices. This includes patronizing Black-owned brands, partnering with corporations that maintain supplier diversity commitments, and advocating for accountability in business practices. Another key approach is applying public pressure to corporations that are wavering in their commitments. Black business organizations, advocacy groups and consumers can demand transparency through shareholder activism, social media campaigns and direct engagement with corporate leadership.
“We need to move beyond just spending power and start thinking about influence,” Mitchell advises. “Are we showing up at shareholder meetings? Are we tracking which companies are following through on their DEI promises? Are we using data to make the case that diversity isn’t just ethical — it’s profitable?”
DEI Benefits Businesses: Actual Facts
Research shows, time and time again that diverse companies perform better financially, yet many firms are abandoning DEI. By presenting economic arguments alongside moral imperatives, communities and advocates can make it harder for businesses to justify their retreat. Perhaps the most transformative solution lies in expanding Black economic self-sufficiency. Mitchell points to historical models like “Black Wall Street” in Tulsa and the current rise of cooperative economics as blueprints for strengthening Black business ecosystems.
“We have to recognize that relying on corporations for equity is a short-term fix, not a long-term solution,” he says. “If we want true economic resilience, we need to invest in our own financial institutions, support Black-owned supply chains, and build networks that sustain wealth within our communities.”
This would mean shifting focus toward Black-owned venture capital funds and community-based investment strategies that create sustainable economic independence. The rollback of DEI in corporate America under the Trump administration is a serious challenge, but it’s not an insurmountable one. Black consumers and business owners have options beyond passive frustration. Strategic buying, corporate accountability, and community-driven economics offer pathways to maintain and grow economic power.
A key takeaway from Mitchell: “Every economic decision is a political decision. Where we spend, where we invest, and how we advocate will determine the strength of Black economic power in the years to come.”
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