REPORTS & PAPERS

In the wake of 2020’s racial justice reckoning, Target pledged billions toward Black equity—from supplier diversity and workforce representation to community reinvestment and policy advocacy. This mini case study analyzes what they actually delivered, what remains vague, and where visibility around their commitments has declined. While early progress included launching HBCU scholarships, pro bono business support, and brand partnerships with Black entrepreneurs, later reports revealed flat Black representation and reduced transparency. As Target eliminated their DEI initiatives in 2025, this analysis calls for clear accountability to regain trust from Black consumers and communities.