DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) – “They respond to dollars,” said Rev. Jamal Bryant.

The Atlanta area pastor is referring to big corporations that rolled back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies to “stay in step with the evolving external landscape.”

That was Target’s message to its customers and employees after the current administration promised to eliminate DEI in workplaces across America.

On February 28, an economic blackout was organized by grassroots organizations.

It was to encourage people to stop spending at corporations like Walmart and, instead, put those dollars back into communities by shopping locally.

Lewis Cameron Jr. is the owner of The Olive Fruit in Enterprise.

He and his wife have been selling olive oils and vinegars in the City of Progress for 10 years.

They do not have a specific stance on the issue but know the impact this could have on their business.

“Small businesses here on Main Street depend on people to come down and shop…that’s where your economic vitality runs,” said Cameron.

According to Placer.ai, a company that makes estimations for in-store visits, Target’s foot traffic was down 10% on the day of the blackout compared to the five Fridays before, possibly reinforcing the idea that corporations lose when customers are not happy.

Though it is hard to gauge if the economic blackout and continuation of fasts from big box corporations will make a huge difference in sales and overall policies, more foot traffic for local businesses is a win-win for Cameron and his hometown.

He believes Main Street businesses around the country are the backbone of business.

A 40-day fast from Target started Wednesday, and a one-week Amazon boycott begins on Friday.

Subscribe to our News 4 newsletter and receive the latest local news and weather straight to your email every morning. Get instant notifications on top stories from News 4 by downloading our mobile apps.

Copyright 2025 WTVY. All rights reserved.