ATLANTA — Pastor Jamal Bryant held a town hall Tuesday night about the Target Fast he launched last month. The fast was in response to the retail giant’s decision to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

The town hall was held at Salem Bible Church in Lithonia. Bryant, the pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, called on his congregation and others last month to to avoid shopping at the retailer during the 40-day fast for Lent.

However, Bryant has shared the efforts won’t stop with the fast.

“We are engaged in this battle because you don’t get to walk away from your public commitments to Black people and think that there won’t be consequences and repercussions,” he said Tuesday night. 

A few months ago, the Minneapolis-based retailer said the changes to its “Belonging at the Bullseye” strategy would include ending a program it established to help Black employees build meaningful careers, improve the experience of Black shoppers and to promote Black-owned businesses following the police killing of George Floyd in 2020.  Target said it also would conclude the DEI goals it previously set in three-year cycles.

“This company should have been serious in 2020, and if they were not serious in 2020, they should have not open their mouths in the first place,” he added.

During the town hall, a panel took the stage that included Ron Busby Sr., activist Tamika Mallory and others. The group talked about the power of boycotts and supporting Black-owned businesses. Those who attended also got the chance to ask questions.