Emmy-winning actress and entrepreneur Tabitha Brown recently defended her stance on the Target boycott. The 46-year-old internet personality posted a powerful Instagram video on May 20. She responded to critics who attacked her for supporting Black authors and businesses affected by the retail boycott.
Brown has faced significant backlash for her previous statements about the boycott’s impact. However, she remains committed to using her platform to uplift Black creators. The “Donna’s Recipe” hair care brand founder refuses to let hate silence her voice.
Tabitha Brown Claps Back at Online Critics
Brown opened her Instagram video with a prayer for her critics. She addressed the hate messages flooding her comments and direct messages. “This is my prayer for you. I pray that love finds you, true love,” she began.
The vegan food influencer continued with compassion despite the attacks. She prayed that someone would love her critics enough to help them understand kindness. Brown’s message emphasized the need for empathy and genuine human connection.
Furthermore, Brown made her position crystal clear in the video’s caption. She wrote that no amount of hate would stop her from supporting Black-owned businesses. The actress also vowed to continue uplifting Black content creators and authors through her platform.
Target Boycott Impact on Black Authors and Book Sales
Brown explained how the Target boycott has hurt Black authors significantly. Many Black writers have struggled to sell their books since the boycott began. Target serves as a major book retailer where numerous Black authors’ works are sold.
The boycott has prevented many books from reaching bestseller lists. Brown noted that poor sales affect authors’ ability to secure future publishing deals. “This affected their sales. It affected their ability to be on the New York Times bestseller list,” she explained.
Moreover, the publishing industry uses these sales numbers to make future decisions. Brown warned that publishers might wrongly judge Black authors’ marketability based on boycott-affected sales. She emphasized that these numbers don’t reflect the authors’ true selling power or talent.
Call for Mindful Action and Alternative Support
Brown urged boycott participants to consider the unintended consequences of their actions. She recommended supporting Black authors through other retail channels instead. This approach would help authors “make their numbers” without compromising boycott principles.
The actress specifically addressed publishers in her message. She asked them not to use recent sales figures as accurate measures of Black authors’ potential. Brown stressed that talented writers with beautiful stories shouldn’t suffer for circumstances beyond their control.
Additionally, Brown suggested practical solutions for supporting affected creators. She encouraged people to buy Black authors’ books from alternative retailers. This strategy would maintain boycott participation while protecting Black businesses and authors from financial harm.
Background on Target Boycott and DEI Rollback
The Target boycott launched earlier this year following corporate policy changes. The retail giant rolled back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These changes occurred under President Trump’s new federal framework regarding corporate diversity programs.
Many consumers responded by boycotting Target stores nationwide. The boycott aimed to pressure the company to reverse its DEI policy changes. However, the action created unintended consequences for Black authors and business owners.
Brown recognized the complexity of the situation from the beginning. She understood people’s frustrations while highlighting collateral damage to Black creators. The actress has consistently advocated for nuanced approaches to social activism that protect vulnerable communities.
Tabitha Brown’s Commitment to Black Business Support
Brown has built her career on supporting Black-owned businesses and creators. As a well-known advocate, she regularly promotes Black authors and entrepreneurs. Her platform consistently highlights deserving Black talent across various industries.
The Emmy winner refuses to abandon her mission despite facing criticism. She stated that God gave her a voice and platform for a purpose. “Take it up with God because he gave me my voice, he blessed me with a platform, and I’m going to use it,” Brown concluded.
Her dedication extends beyond social media posts to concrete business support. Brown actively partners with Black-owned companies and promotes their products. She views her influence as a responsibility to uplift her community and create opportunities for others.
