Pastor Jamal Bryant apologizes for confusion over Target Fast, says Black women started the boycott 

Pastor Jamal Bryant has apologized after widespread confusion followed his announcement ending his yearlong “Target Fast,” which many supporters believed signaled the end of the broader Target boycott. The misunderstanding sparked criticism from organizers who insisted the national boycott remains active.

Bryant said he misread the community’s expectations and acknowledged that his comments created the impression he was speaking for the entire movement.

Pastor Jamal Bryant Clarifying His Role in the Target Boycott

During the latest episode of his Let’s Be Clear podcast, Bryant said he never led the national boycott and emphasized that Black women activists, including Nina Turner, Tamika Mallory, and Dr. Nekima Levy Armstrong, started and guided the movement.

He said he “made assumptions that were not true” and apologized for being “out of touch” with what the community wanted.

Bryant also stressed that he has not been compensated by Target, he told Capital B Atlanta.

Why the Confusion Grew

The Target Fast began in early 2025 as a 40‑day Lenten protest but extended into a yearlong effort. Bryant announced its end last week, saying the fast achieved three of four goals related to DEI commitments, HBCU partnerships, and corporate investment in Black communities.

However, many organizers said his announcement blurred the line between the fast and the national boycott, which began earlier in Minnesota after Target scaled back DEI programs.

Nekima Levy Armstrong, who launched the original boycott in 2025, said the protest continues until Target restores its diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments.

Target Boycott Leaders Say the Protest Continues

Organizers behind the original boycott said nothing has changed in their stance.

In a statement through CAIR‑Minnesota, Armstrong said the boycott remains active and will continue until Target reverses its DEI rollback.

Turner and Mallory also reiterated that Target has not issued a public apology for scaling back DEI efforts, a key demand of the movement.

Bryant Reaffirms Support for Target Boycott Leaders

Bryant said he respects the women who built the movement and would never attempt to take credit for their work.

“I am surrounded by brilliant, beautiful Black women,” he said on his podcast. “In no ounce of my bones or blood would I ever try to co‑opt what Black women are building.”

He added that he heard the community’s “emphatic outcry” and understood why many believed the boycott should continue.

What Comes Next

Although Bryant declared the fast complete, he said he supports ongoing pressure on Target.

Organizers say they will continue pushing for full DEI restoration, corporate accountability, and long‑term investment in Black communities.