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Home • Feedback

The Black-Owned Brands At Target That Still Need Your Support

Amidst the popular retailer’s DEI rollback news and 40 day boycott, GU explores the Black-owned brands that deserve continued support.
The Black-Owned Brands At Target That Still Need Your Support
NOVATO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 05: A view of a Target store on March 05, 2025 in Novato, California. Target CEO Brian Cornell said in a television interview that price increases due to US President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Mexico could be seen on store shelves as early as this week. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
By Naomi Parris · Updated March 6, 2025

To be young, gifted, and Black is a beautiful thing. Our voice, our beauty, and our creativity has contributed to many innovations and advancements we’ve seen in society and the world. However, to be any one of these qualities in the aforementioned statement, is unfortunately a threat, and the recent changes in the United States administration won’t let us forget it. Since his second term at the oval office started in January, President Trump decided to overturn diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, starting in the federal government. “Billions of dollars are spent annually on DEI, but rather than reducing bias and promoting inclusion, DEI creates and then amplifies prejudicial hostility and exacerbates interpersonal conflict,” the White House said in a statement justifying their decision. 

This rash move has empowered companies including Amazon, Walmart, and everybody’s favorite — Target, to pull back or completely obliterate their DEI initiatives. On Jan. 24, the “Expect More, Pay Less” retailer announced plans to end its diversity goals that would directly increase Black employees’ advancement, promote representation, and of course, amplify Black-owned businesses.

Since the announcement, many consumers have been left feeling confused. Target is the number one-stop-shop for all shopping categories, from groceries to beauty. More importantly, it’s host to 100+ Black-owned or founded brands. The company’s decision has prompted some shoppers to boycott, which is more than understandable. Who would want to give their hard-earned dollars to a company that doesn’t even value the color of your skin? As of today, a 40-day boycott over the brand is in effect following a nationwide economic blackout alongside additional mega corporations. Forbes reported that Target experienced an 11 percent drop in foot traffic in its stores and a 9 percent decline in web traffic. Target has recently reneged this decision, but this backtrack doesn’t make us feel any better, especially since they were so quick to forsake their commitment to equity after the 2020 racial reckonings.

Although pulling your money from Target is more than merited because of this cruel decision, it might hurt the Black businesses we know and love even more. Melissa Butler, who’s founder of The Lip Bar took to Instagram to urge supporters to shop the brand in a way that feels most comfortable for them, while bringing awareness to one simple fact: “If you boycott shopping in these stores, you will directly impact the hundreds of Black-owned, brown-owned, and women-owned brands that are at Target.”

If you want to continue furthering the success of the retailer’s Black-owned brands, we’ve curated a list of companies to support now and beyond.

01
01 Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Hybrid With Zinc and Lavender Sunscreen
If you’re not using Black Girl Sunscreen, what are you waiting on? The pioneering sun protectant brand has the perfect SPF to protect and hydrate your skin without the white cast. Available at Black Girl Sunscreen
16 Shop Now
02
02 The Lip Bar Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick
Founded by Melissa Butler, The Lip Bar creates vegan and non-toxic lip products for all shades, along with skincare and makeup tools. Their liquid lipstick is a customer favorite. Available at The Lip Bar
14 Shop Now
03
03 Brooklyn Tea Cherry Rose
With shops in Brooklyn and Atlanta, this brand is the premier destination for all tea lovers, making the staple beverage accessible for all. Available at Brooklyn Tea
18 Shop Now
04
04 Camille Rose Curl Maker
Janell Stephens initially created the now multi-million dollar hair care brand to cure the eczema of her five children which caused dryness in their hair. It’s quickly become one of the leading companies for natural hair care through organic ingredients and affordable pricing. Available at Camille Rose
20 Shop Now
05
05 Pattern Beauty Leave-In Conditioner
Birthed from the mind of award-winning actress Tracee Ellis Ross, Pattern features high-quality products for curly hair of all textures and lengths.As of today, a 40-day boycott over the brand is in effect following a nationwide economic blackout alongside additional mega corporations. Forbes reported that Target experienced an 11 percent drop in foot traffic in its stores and a 9 percent decline in web traffic. Available at Pattern
28 Shop Now
06
06 TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask With Raw Honey + Olive Oil Deep Conditioner
Founded by the late Chris-Tia Donaldson, TGIN aims to not only create products that enhance your hair, but also empower the woman. Available at TGIN
19 Shop Now
07
07 Be Rooted Act Up Sis Journal
Through Be Rooted, founder Jasmin Foster filled the void she saw in the industry. With lifestyle offerings like journals and home decor, Foster created a community where women of color can be themselves and feel represented. Available at Be Rooted Co.
16 Shop Now
08
08 Satya + Sage Sun Candle
This self care brand features eco-friendly candles and home fragrance products for shoppers to find a sense of peace within the comfort of their own space. Available at Satya + Sage
38 Shop Now
09
09 Mocktail Club Non-Alcoholic Havana Twist
In case you’ve extended dry January, consider Mocktail Club’s nonalcoholic offerings made with unique and natural ingredients like Cucumber and Cardamom. Available at Mocktail Club
20 Shop Now
10
10 Rochelle Porter Kobo Tufted Decorative Pillow
From vibrant home decor to ethically made apparel, Rochelle Porter has its eponymous founder’s Caribbean heritage written all over it. Available at Rochelle Porter
40 Shop Now
11
11 A Dozen Cousins Jamaican Jerk Marinade
This cooking brand offers everything from seasoning sauces and beans and rice inspired by CEO Ibraheem’s upbringing, often having Creole, Caribbean, and Latin American cuisine. Available at A Dozen Cousins
3 Shop Now
12
12 Skin By Mented Cosmetics Foundation
On a mission to make beauty truly inclusive, Mented crafts ethical cosmetics that are specially made for your skin tone, from foundation to nail lacquer. Available at Mented Cosmetics
30 Shop Now
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on the links we provide, we may receive compensation.
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