Rev. Al Sharpton and about 100 of his followers descended on an East Harlem Costco Saturday in support of the company’s commitment to controversial diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
“We’re supporting those who are not rolling back DEI,” Patrice Perry, crisis director for Sharpton’s nonprofit, the National Action Network, told The Post.
“It’s very important to be here,” Perry added.
The demonstration was in response to President Trump’s crackdown on DEI initiatives this week, which put federal employees working on such initiatives on paid leave and shuttered offices dedicated to it.
Trump’s executive order called the practice “illegal discrimination” and aims to restore “merit-based opportunity.”
Meanwhile, 98% of Costco’s shareholders rejected a proposal on Thursday calling on the wholesaler to evaluate risks posed by its DEI practice.
“We will stand with those who stand with us,” Sharpton said of corporations like Costco — which he gave attendees a $25 gift card to shop at during the “buy-cott” event.
Trump’s order was an “outright affront” to the Black and brown communities, Sharpton said.
He joked to The Post that he was looking for a President Trump “punching bag” at the big box store.
“We gotta support companies that really are there for us, that really are for inclusion,” said Ted Burroughs, 46, a grant writer from Brooklyn as he shopped for croissants, chocolate chip cookies and instant coffee. “While keeping our dollars away from those who don’t take our concerns seriously.”
Also in attendance was activist Korey Wise, who was wrongfully convicted as one of the “Central Park Five.”
“We gotta keep our seatbelt on,” he told The Post.
“Trump is a piece of work. He’s a rollercoaster ride.”
The NAN is now working on compiling a list of companies that have ditched DEI so their supporters can boycott them.
DEI, which initially aimed to diversify the workforce, has been criticized as a woke means of reverse discrimination that disadvantages white applicants.
With Post wires
