Al Sharpton Claims Companies Abolishing DEI Programs Are Trying To Send Blacks To ‘Back Of Bus,’ Threatens Boycott

MSNBC’s Rev. Al Sharpton called on all Americans to boycott companies that eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, claiming they are trying to send people of color to the “back of the bus.”

Sharpton made the announcement at the Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC, during a rally in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. on monday. He said this call to action would be made in the spirit of King’s legacy as a civil rights activist.

“Why do we have DEI? We have DEI because you denied us diversity, you denied us equality, you denied us inclusion. DEI was a remedy for the practice of institutionalized racial bigotry in academia and these corporations. Now, if you want to put us back in the back of the bus, we’ll park you Dr. King-Rosa,” Sharpton said.

“You must have forgotten who we are,” he added. “We’re the ones you took everything from and we’re still here.”

Sharpton announced that his organization, the National Action Network, will participate in a month-long survey to investigate companies that deviate from DEI policies and their profit margins. After completing the study, they will begin targeting two companies for boycott.

“In 90 days, we’re going to announce the two companies we’re going after, and we’re going to ask everyone in this country — black, white, brown, gay, straight woman, trans — not to shop where you don’t you’re respected,” Sharpton said.

Sharpton’s announcement comes after multiple companies such as Walmart, McDonald’s, Ford, Meta and others announced they will scale back or eliminate DEI initiatives.

Sharpton encouraged his supporters to rally around companies that are maintaining their DEI policies like Costco.

As Sharpton made his announcement, President Trump was being inaugurated as the 47th president. Shortly after being sworn into office, Trump signed an executive order to end DEI programs across the federal government.

“We want people to see the tale of two cities in one circle,” Sharpton said. “On this side of town, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his life to open America to everyone: black, white, gay, straight, it didn’t matter. We are with Dr. King.”

Fox News Digital reached out to MSNBC and Sharpton for comment.