FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 4, 2025

Tacoma Branch NAACP President Malando Redeemer Calls for Solidarity Against Corporate Rollbacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

TACOMA, WA – Our community has long been a pillar of economic strength, contributing over $1.8 trillion in purchasing power annually. Yet, despite our undeniable influence, many corporations continue to profit from Black dollars while actively rolling back their commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

As companies across the nation scale back their DEI initiatives, the Tacoma Branch of the NAACP under the Leadership of President Malando Redeemer stands in solidarity with the National NAACP and fellow civil rights organizations in calling for collective action to hold corporations accountable.

These rollbacks do not just impact Black and Brown communities—they undermine the rights, progress, and economic opportunities of women, Indigenous communities, people with disabilities, the LGBTQIA+ community, and all historically marginalized groups.

When corporations scale back their DEI commitments, they send a clear message that equity is not a priority. DEI is not just a buzz word, but it is about fairness, opportunity, and ensuring that workplaces and economies reflect the diversity of our communities. We cannot be silent while these hard-fought gains are erased.

The NAACP’s Black Consumer Advisory has identified major corporations—including McDonald’s, Walmart, Target, and Meta—that have rolled back DEI initiatives, eliminating critical programs that promote workplace diversity, supplier equity, and community investment. Meanwhile, companies like Apple, Ben & Jerry’s, and Delta Air Lines have upheld their commitments.

The Tacoma Branch NAACP Calls for Action:

1. Support Businesses That Uphold DEI Commitments - Consumers can make informed choices by supporting businesses that actively promote workplace diversity and equitable investment in communities. This includes businesses owned by people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, and disability-inclusive enterprises.
2. Spend Intentionally: Support Black-Owned, Local and DEI-Committed Businesses - Redirect your dollars toward Black-owned businesses and companies that have upheld their commitments to racial equity, such as Apple, Ben & Jerry’s, and Delta Air Lines.
3. Demand Corporate Accountability -We demand transparency from corporations operating in our region. We call on business leaders to publicly reaffirm their DEI initiatives and recommit to policies that foster inclusive workplaces.

“With over 1.8 trillion dollars in spending power our community cannot continue to support business that don’t support us! We will not fund our own oppression.

Furthermore, the attack on DEI is an attack on all of us: on Black and Brown communities, on the dignity of women in the workplace, on the rights of disabled individuals, on the voices of LGBTQIA+ professionals, and on the economic opportunities of historically excluded communities. This is about more than corporate policies. It is about our collective future. And we will fight for it.” - President Malando Redeemer

The Tacoma Branch NAACP remains steadfast in its mission to protect equity, justice, and opportunity for all. We urge every individual, organization, and ally to stand with us in demanding corporate accountability and sustained investment in DEI.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

📧 Email: 253naacp@gmail.com

📞 Phone: (253) 272-0357

#DEIMatters #EconomicJustice #NAACP #EquityForAll #StandForInclusion