Civil rights activists have gathered outside Target's Minneapolis headquarters to call for a boycott of the retailing giant over its decision to phase out its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Consumers who want to boycott Target should instead spend their dollars on products from Black-owned businesses at the retailer, said April Showers, founder and chief executive of toy, apparel and home goods brand Afro Unicorn, which has been sold at Target since 2022.

Target announced last week that it would end its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and investments. Protesters called for a national boycott of Target during a rally Thursday in front of the offices of the Minneapolis-based retailer.