By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFRO It lasted more than 400 days, but on March 11, the nationwide boycott of Target initiated by Black leaders was brought to an end. During a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the Rev. Jamal Bryant, along with former Ohio state Sen. Nina Turner […]
Tag: Nekima Levy Armstrong
Federal agents arrest journalists Don Lemon, Georgia Fort for reporting on Minnesota church protest
Federal agents have arrested veteran journalist Don Lemon and Minnesota-based reporter Georgia Fort in connection with their coverage of a Jan. 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, where demonstrators challenged a pastor who also serves as a senior ICE official. The arrests have sparked widespread outrage from press freedom advocates and civil rights groups, who argue the charges represent a dangerous escalation in the federal government’s efforts to criminalize journalism amid heightened national tensions over immigration enforcement and protest.
Minnesota activist releases video of arrest after manipulated White House version
Minnesota civil rights attorney and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong released video of her Jan. 22 arrest following an anti-ICE protest at a church, disputing images posted by the White House that she says were manipulated to misrepresent the encounter. The video shows Levy Armstrong calmly speaking with federal agents and contradicts claims that she was crying during the arrest.
Anti-ICE protest at Minnesota church leads to arrests of Black attorney, journalist
Federal authorities arrested prominent civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong and at least two others following an anti-ICE protest that disrupted a worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, though no charges were allowed to proceed against journalist Don Lemon. The arrests came amid a rapid Justice Department investigation and strong condemnation from White House officials, while a judge ruled Lemon’s presence at the protest was protected journalistic activity under the First Amendment.
MPD under fire for promoting officer who killed Amir Locke
Community members condemned the Minneapolis Police Department for appointing Sgt. Mark Hanneman—who killed Amir Locke in a 2022 no-knock raid—as a use-of-force training officer. Activists called the move disrespectful and demanded accountability from city leaders, including Mayor Jacob Frey.
Target CEO rakes in $20.4M as boycott deepens and Black leaders demand accountability
As Target faces an intensifying national boycott over its rollback of diversity commitments, CEO Brian Cornell received a $20.4 million pay package in 2024, up 6.3 percent from the previous year. Activists accuse the company of sidelining local organizers and betraying its $2 billion equal opportunity pledge, while its stock price continues to decline amid growing public backlash.
Target caught in DEI crossfire as lawsuits and boycotts mount
Target Corporation has faced financial consequences, community backlash, and legal challenges after scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and withdrawing its Pride Month merchandise, prompting boycotts and economic pressure from civil rights groups.

