The Rev. Dinah Tatman, center, with Greater New Vision Ministries, Inc., announces details of a new economic boycott flanked other clergy members looking on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017 in St. Louis, Mo. Tatman said African-Americans are subjected to excessive force by police, criminalized for minor infractions and saddled with long sentences. She also cited economic disparities, efforts to diminish voting rights and political redistricting that has made it harder for black people to have their voices heard. (Christian Gooden/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)
The Associated Press
ST. LOUIS (AP) - Black St. Louis faith and civic leaders who have been involved in protests over the acquittal of a former white police officer in the killing of a black suspect are calling for supporters to boycott a dozen businesses.
The group issued its call Thursday for an economic boycott of the businesses, including Target and regional grocery chain Schnucks.
Organizers say some of the businesses are being targeted for their alleged mistreatment of black workers or customers. Target is listed because of a legal dispute allowing it to use Rosa Parks' name and image on civil rights-themed merchandise. The company says it works hard to "demonstrate inclusivity" in its products.
Schnucks, which operates more than 60 stores in the St. Louis area, is on the list because it donates heavily to Republican candidates. The chain says it is "surprised and disappointed" to be targeted and that it has customers and employees "from across the demographic spectrum."
The Rev. Dinah Tatman, center, with Greater New Vision Ministries, Inc., announces details of a new economic boycott as Rev. Ronald Bobo, left, pastor of West Side Missionary Baptist Church and Minister Donald Muhammad, look on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017 in St. Louis, Mo. Tatman said African-Americans are subjected to excessive force by police, criminalized for minor infractions and saddled with long sentences. She also cited economic disparities, efforts to diminish voting rights and political redistricting that has made it harder for black people to have their voices heard. (Christian Gooden/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)
The Associated Press
Bishop Edwin Bass, Chief Operating Officer of the Church of God In Christ, voices his organization's support of a new economic boycott announced on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017 in St. Louis, Mo. The Rev. Dinah Tatman, organizer of the campaign, said African-Americans are subjected to excessive force by police, criminalized for minor infractions and saddled with long sentences. She also cited economic disparities, efforts to diminish voting rights and political redistricting that has made it harder for black people to have their voices heard. (Christian Gooden/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)
The Associated Press