Washington, DC—DC’s US Representative Oye Owolewa is set to participate in Saturday’s “Boycott Target” press conference, headlined by former Ohio State Senator and US Congressional Candidate Nina Turner. This press conference, scheduled on October 25th at 11 am located in front of Columbia Heights Target at 3100 14th St NW STE 201, marks a critical point in the local resistance against Target following their decision to end their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs. Since the beginning of this year, consumers nationwide have refused to shop at Target, causing a 19% decrease in profit and $12 billion in market value. In addition, (Then) Target CEO Brian Cornell has since stepped down and joined its Board of Directors. Rep Oye will join the local boycott and press conference to show solidarity and provide words of encouragement. Rep Oye believes inclusion is built into the fabric of DC culture and supports residents; right to protest and boycott companies that don’t share our values.

“I’d like to thank Dante O’Hara, Reverend Fears and other local leaders who’ve been involved with DC’s boycott against Target” says Rep Oye “Target’s decision to walk back their DEI commitments not only deserves to be protested, but also boycotted. I’m proud of everyone who continues to speak out with their money because it has made a huge difference. Our financial consciousness has led to Target’s financial setbacks, poor financial filings and ultimate CEO dismissal. When Target decided to disinvest from the Black and Brown community, we disinvested ourselves from them.

Personally, I have not shopped at Target and I have no interest in going back. I’m sure many people agree with me. I do, however, sympathize with many of Target’s employees. I’m saddened for the essential workers who lost their jobs when stores close down, the most recent one being in Cleveland Park. Target’s corporate team’s, led by then CEO Cornell, decision to terminate its commitment to DEI directly impacted their employees and the communities they live in. Their decision to not honor their promises to invest millions worth of opportunities in Black owned businesses and minority employees have backfired.

Saturday, we’ll be speaking truth to power. We’ll demand that businesses choose the people over politics. I’m honored to share Saturday’s stage with Dante O’Hara, Reverend Patti Fears and Senator Nina Turner.”