Target Corporation’s stock plummeted by approximately $27.27 per share by the end of February, erasing about $12.4 billion in market value. The drop came on February 28, the designated economic blackout day, and coincided with mounting backlash over the retailer’s decision to abandon its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has taken action through its Public Education and Selective Buying Campaign. NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. said, “Black consumers helped build Target into a retail giant, and now they are making their voices heard. If corporations believe they can roll back diversity commitments without consequence, they are mistaken.”

Reverend Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia, has led calls for a “40-Day Target Fast,” urging Black consumers to withhold their spending at the retailer. “Black people spend $12 million a day at Target,” Bryant said. “If we withhold our dollars, we can make a statement that cannot be ignored.”

The NAACP also issued a Black Consumer Advisory in response to Target’s DEI rollback, warning Black consumers about corporate retreat from diversity initiatives. The advisory urges them to support businesses that remain committed to investing in Black communities.

Target is also facing legal battles. Shareholders have filed lawsuits challenging the company’s DEI policies, arguing that the commitments hurt financial performance. Meanwhile, conservative groups have sued over Target’s diversity efforts, claiming they discriminated against white employees and other groups.

“Consumers have the power to demand change, and Target is learning that lesson the hard way,” Chavis said.

The post Target’s stock plummets $12.4 billion as DEI backlash intensifies appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Corporate America’s retreat from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments is already having significant repercussions, with consumer boycotts, stock fluctuations, and mounting legal battles reshaping the financial landscape for major firms. Companies that once championed DEI efforts in the wake of George Floyd’s murder have begun to abandon these initiatives under mounting conservative pressure, only to face economic and public relations consequences of their own.

Target is at the center of a lawsuit alleging it misled investors about its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and DEI policies. The lawsuit argues that Target’s messaging led to widespread boycotts following its 2023 LGBTQ+ Pride campaign, which extended into a 2024 backlash. The impact on the retailer’s bottom line has been undeniable, with Target’s stock price experiencing a sharp decline. On a recent trading day, shares dipped another 28 cents. Further, Blue Chip Partners LLC reduced its holdings in Target by 6.8% in the fourth quarter, selling more than 10,000 shares.

Despite dropping its own DEI initiative, Walmart has fared better than Target, even as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund recently divested from the retailer. On Feb. 14, Walmart’s stock slipped from $105.30 per share opening to $103.60, a minor dip compared to the larger financial instability seen elsewhere.

Other corporations abandoning DEI commitments are feeling the strain in different ways. Ford, which eliminated its DEI program, is now facing what many argue is the karma of a staggering $2.5 billion in punitive damages from a recent jury verdict in Columbus. McDonald’s has seen its stock continue steadily declining, falling to $308.55 per share, with Blue Chip Partners LLC also selling off its holdings in the fast-food giant. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, preparing to comply with executive orders to dismantle DEI programs, have also taken hits. Coca-Cola’s stock dropped by more than 63 cents, while PepsiCo saw a more than $1.19 per share decline.

Some companies that have retreated from DEI, such as Meta and JPMorgan Chase, have managed to hold their ground. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has cozied up to MAGA figures, shielding the company from harsher backlash. Meanwhile, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, who has long advocated for diversity, recently downplayed DEI training programs, insisting the bank’s approach to minority communities remains unchanged. The company’s stock has remained steady at $276.59.

Citigroup and Morgan Stanley have also largely avoided financial fallout, maintaining relatively stable stock prices despite walking back their diversity commitments. However, Citigroup’s decision to remove or alter its public-facing DEI language has drawn criticism. Goldman Sachs took a similar step, scrapping a requirement that companies it takes public must have at least two diverse board members, citing legal developments.

The entertainment and media industries are not immune. Disney has overhauled its DEI initiatives, dropping its “Reimagine Tomorrow” website and adjusting diversity-related content warnings. While Disney’s stock has fluctuated, it recently slightly increased by 79 cents. Meanwhile, PBS has shuttered its DEI office, citing the need to comply with anti-DEI executive orders.

Corporate compliance with Trump-aligned policies is also apparent in the beverage and consulting industries. Bloomberg reported that Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are adjusting their policies to align with federal contract regulations. Deloitte has told U.S. employees working with government clients to remove pronouns from their email signatures, rolling back its DEI goals. Accenture, another major consulting firm, has eliminated diversity targets in hiring and promotion, citing the Trump administration’s stance.

Retailers and financial institutions are also responding. Lowe’s has merged its employee resource groups under one umbrella and cut its participation in external diversity events. Truist Financial Corp. recently trimmed its stake in Lowe’s, selling off over 39,000 shares. Meanwhile, Amazon omitted DEI language from its latest SEC filing, signaling a broader shift in corporate strategies. Boeing has dismantled its DEI department, folding those responsibilities into human resources.

Consumer and activist backlash has been swift. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing the Black Press of America, has launched a national public education and selective buying campaign in response to corporate America’s retreat from DEI. The NAACP has also issued a spending guide identifying businesses that have abandoned or upheld diversity commitments. Pastor Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta has called for a 40-day economic fast against Target, urging 100,000 people to halt spending at the retailer. Bryant noted that Target had pledged $2 billion toward Black-owned businesses but rescinded that commitment in January.

“Black people spend $12 million a day at Target,” Bryant said on the Black Press’ Let It Be Known news program. “Because of how many dollars are spent there and the absence of commitment to our community, we are focusing on Target first.”

The post Companies face immediate backlash for abandoning DEI pledges appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

I know what you’re thinking, what does that even mean? I’m glad you asked. Raise your hand if your hair could use some TLC. Has your hair been through it lately with all the heat styling or chemical treatments? Well, call me your fairy hair mother because I have the perfect new haircare line for you. Traveling can be hectic for not only my lifestyle but also my hair. Let’s also add in that I like to switch up my hair styles often and transition from cold to warm weather climates often. You can only imagine what this does to my hair. My hair suffered from breakage and splits — I had enough.

I started using Palmers Amino Bonding Line to help repair my wear. What does hair bonding even mean? Scientifically, it transforms severely damaged hair bonds from the inside out. Fueled by Palmer’s proprietary Multi-Action Natural Bonding Technology of Amino Acids, Biotin and Collagen — this bonding complex penetrates to the hair’s cortex to reinforce damaged hair bonds from heat, styling, bleach & color and chemical services. In my terms, it gets my hair back together to be healthy, strong and leaves the perfect bounce.

The line includes a Bonding Conditioning Masque, Bonding Hair Gloss, Bonding Leave-In Treatment, Bonding Healing Oil. You would expect a product line to be pricer for all that it does, but it is super affordable and accessible. It’s great for all hair types, so don’t fret if you think your hair texture won’t see results — it absolutely will. Don’t just take my word for it, try it out for yourself. If you are you ready to repair the wear and see your hair transform to stronger, shinier, softer and more manageable hair — head to your nearest Walmart, Target or Amazon.

The post Discover the secret to stronger hair appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Morgan Angelique Owens,

Chief Creative Beauty Consultant

Ralph stays moisturized too.

Did you know Palmers original solid jar can be used over 101 ways? One of the ways is keeping your dog’s paws moisturized. Ralph during the winter months has a bad habit of licking his paws which dries them out. Palmers Heal and Soften helps with dry skin with @palmers famous Cocoa Butter Formula Original Solid, crafted with moisturizing Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E. This unique concentrated solid melts into skin to lock in moisture. As you can see its great to use on both my skin and Ralph’s paws.

With over 101 uses Palmers original solid jar is the perfect skin accessory for the winter and beyond. Make sure you pick up a jar at Target, Walmart, or Amazon and discover what other 101 ways you can use Palmers.

The post Keep your skin and dog’s paws hydrated with Palmers original solid jar – over 101 uses! appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Morgan Angelique Owens,

Chief Creative Beauty Consultant

Traveling does not have to mean ditching your body and skin care routine, even if that means living in another country. For the month of July, I decided to dip my toes into the digital nomad realm and decided to take my talents to Toronto. I knew I would need to take products I know I could rely on, especially during the summer months to keep skin protected, hydrated and soft. Here are the products I took; they were even travel size!

Skin Therapy

Ladies, are you trying to soften up stretch marks, scars or help soften dry skin? Then I have the perfect product for you. Palmers Skin Therapy has been my new best friend in helping with all the above. Over time our bodies change in texture, so we need something that adds extra moisture and anti-aging ingredients to help combat that.

Palmers Skin Therapy is perfect to use daily, it’s really helped me soften up scars and stretch marks that I thought would never fade away. Pro Tip: use the oil after your night time shower routine directly on stubborn spots. Palmer’s skin therapy oil is packed with cocoa butter, vitamin E and other nourishing oils to help achieve more hydrated, firmer and healthier skin. You can pick up Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil at Walmart, Target and Walgreens.

Skin Therapy Oil Face

• Moisturizing Face Oil: Skin Therapy Oil for Face delivers skin restorative oils for multi-purpose, anti-aging skin benefits with ten Pure Oils to help moisturize and smooth fine lines and wrinkles
• Special Formula: Made with Cocoa Butter to moisturize, Retinol to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Vitamin C to brighten skin and dark spots, and Cetesomate Complex for essential vitamins and nutrients

Heals and Softens

• Deep Hydrating Lotion: This 24-hour cocoa butter daily moisturizing Body Lotion features a light cocoa scent and provides deep hydration for all skin types, from normal to dry to eczema prone skin
• Special Formula: This lotion is made with Cocoa Butter to naturally moisturize and Vitamin E to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and skin imperfections, giving a more even and toned appearance

Swivel Stick

You won’t catch me slipping without my Palmers Softens & Smooths swivel stick while I’m out and about in the city. You never know who you’ll run into, so you won’t see me without moisturized lips, especially in this colder weather.

Palmers swivel stick is a Boss Babe’s best friend. It’s small enough to carry in my purse but big enough moisture to last 48 hours. I can even use on my face and body when needed. Show how you swivel and pick up one at Target or Walmart

The post Products I took and used while Living Abroad appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Morgan Angelique Owens,

Chief Creative Beauty Consultant

Who is ready to have rockstar skin for the Summer?

There is a new sunscreen on the market, Bliss Blockstar Mineral SPF is just what you need! This is a 100% mineral sunscreen with no chemical sunscreens, irritation, white cast, chalkiness, greasy sheen or clogged pores. You know I love taking care of my skin and love my Bliss skincare products – there was no doubt that I wouldn’t love this sunscreen.

The texture and application is creamy and super blend-able – not to mention, it smells really good. Bliss Blockstar just launched and you can pick it up for only $20 at Target.

The post Get ready for the sun 2023 appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Morgan Angelique Owens,

Chief Creative Beauty Consultant

I took the Retexture and Renew challenge for 2 weeks with Palmer’s. My upper arms have always been a pain point for me when it comes to the texture of my skin, when I saw Palmer’s had a retexture and renew lotion that helps with bumpy skin, I knew I had to try it. Over the past 2 weeks I’ve been incorporating this lotion into my skincare routine and I am loving the results!

I love that this lotion helps smoothes & softens rough, bumpy skin with powerful ingredients like cocoa butter, coconut oil and shea butter to exfoliate dead skin cells and smooth bumpy skin. I can definitely see improvement with my skin, and I look forward using it more to see my optimal results!

The stats:

• Smoothes & Softens rough, bumpy skin with AHAs Lactic Acid and a natural blend of Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E
  • 48-hour moisture
  • Vegan Friendly-No animal ingredients or Testing
  • Dermatologist Tested, Clinically proven results
  • Free of Parabens, Phthalates
  • America’s #1 Cocoa Butter Brand
  • Perfect for areas prone to bumpiness such as upper arms, outer thighs or buttocks

Is this something you would try? You can pick this up at Target.

The post Skin challenge, accepted! appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Morgan Angelique Owens,

Chief Creative Beauty Consultant

Spring is here, it is the perfect time to try something new. Here are a few Spring trends I decided to try and incorporate in my daily makeup routine. You can find these products at your local drugstore, Sephora, Ulta, Target and more.

Colored Eyelashes

Neon Eyeliner

Colored Mascara

The post Editor Picks: Spring Trends appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Morgan Angelique Owens,

Chief Creative Beauty Consultant

It’s the glowing skin for meeee. Let me introduce you to my glow squad from Palmers. Hydrate Replenish Body Oil, Moisturizes Softens Body Oil and my new favorite Hemp Oil Calming Relief Body Oil. Winter months may soon be behind us, but that doesn’t mean we slack on the moisture for our skin. What I love about these products is the convenience of stepping out of a bath/shower and applying the oils, even on damp skin. After applying the body oil my skin immediately soaks it in and I can see an immediate glowing difference without any greasy residue. This dream team is packed with 48-hour moisture that instantly helps dry skin, gives a youthful radiance, improves texture and soothes irritation. What else does a girl need?

Which Palmer’s body oil is best for you? Let’s see:

Hydrate Replenish Body Oil Benefits:

• Hydrates & Replenishes skin with natural Coconut Oil and Green Coffee for visibly healthy-looking, radiant skin
• 48 Hour moisture 
• Vegan Friendly – No animal ingredients or testing
• Free of Parabens, Phathalates, Mineral Oil, Dyes
• Ethically & sustainably sourced ingredients
• America’s #1 Coconut Oil Body Care Brand and #1 Body Oil Brand
• Fair Trade Certified Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
• Works well layering with Palmer’s Coconut Body Lotion and Balm
• Non-greasy formula can be used in shower, bath or on dry skin
• Dermatologist Approved

Moisturizes and Softens Body Oil Benefits:

• Hydrates & Softens rough, dry skin with natural Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E for healthier-looking, radiant skin
• 48-hour moisture
• Vegan-friendly – no animal ingredients or testing
• Free of Parabens, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Dyes
• America’s #1 Cocoa Butter Brand
• Works well layering with Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Daily Skin Therapy Body Lotion and Original Solid Jar
• Non-greasy formula can be used in shower, bath or on dry skin

Hemp Oil Calming Relief Benefits:

• Soothes irritation
• Increases hydration
• Improves texture and radiance
• Clinically Proven Results*: 96% agreed skin texture improved, 100% agreed skin was more moisturized and felt smoother
• 48 Hour Moisture
• Dermatologist Approved, Hypoallergenic, For Sensitive Skin

Whichever body oil you chose, you really can’t go wrong! Make sure you add this to your startling line up right after a shower/bath. Pick these up at Walgreens, Target and Walmart.

The post Mo on the Glow appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

CPD said there is not an active shooter

By: WCPO staff

CINCINNATI — There is a heavy police presence outside of a Target store in Oakley.

Cincinnati police said the incident is not an active shooter situation. People should avoid the area while officers continue to investigate.

Police, fire and EMS and homicide investigation units have responded to the target in Geier Road in Oakley. The parking lot of the Center of Cincinnati, the complex that houses Target, is closed.

Cincinnati Police have also closed the exit to Marburg Avenue from I-71.

At Target in Oakley where police are investigating reports of a possible shooting. I’m trying to confirm information. @wcpo pic.twitter.com/vxMGX61FGm

— Courtney Francisco (@CFranciscoWSB) March 17, 2022

Police have not provided information on the situation.

WCPO will update this story as more information becomes available.

The post Heavy police activity at Oakley Target store appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .