A Stand for DEI: Civil Rights Leaders and NJ Officials Unite at Costco in Union, NJ to Advocate for Diversity, Economic Empowerment, and Second Chances

Union, NJ — In a powerful display of solidarity, civil rights icon Rev. Al Sharpton, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Former NJ Governor Jim McGreevey, Rev. Bolivar Flores, Reverend Dr. Johnnie Melvin Green, Jr., Councilwoman-at-Large Louise Scott-Rountree, and a host of New Jersey leaders gathered at Costco in Union, NJ to advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and demonstrate support for businesses that uphold these values.

At a time when many corporations are pulling away from DEI initiatives, this event sent a clear message: communities of color, veterans, and individuals in need of second chances deserve economic opportunities and corporate support.

Rev. Al Sharpton: "We Reward Those Who Stand With Us"

Rev. Al Sharpton, a longtime champion for racial and economic justice, emphasized the power of economic solidarity in holding corporations accountable:

"Every week, we brought 120 people shopping in Harlem. Last Saturday, we got about 300 here now."

Sharpton's words underscored the importance of strategic spending—supporting businesses that actively uplift marginalized communities and withdrawing support from those that back away from DEI commitments.

Mayor Ras Baraka: "We Must Discipline Ourselves to Punish and Reward"

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka reinforced the importance of economic activism, crediting Rev. Sharpton for stepping up as businesses began retreating from DEI:

"Rev. Al Sharpton stepped up immediately, as all these businesses began to back away from us—back away from our communities, back away from our families. Rev. Al Sharpton began to step up and talked about boycotting, and I agree with that. I agree that we need to discipline ourselves and punish and reward those who either support us or stand against us."

Baraka called for communities to take action against corporations abandoning DEI:

"So all of the companies that said they want to back away from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—we need to show them by not showing up at their stores, by not spending money at their establishments. We are here at Costco today because we support people that support us."

Governor Jim McGreevey: "Costco is Changing Lives"

Former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey highlighted how Costco has demonstrated real commitment to second chances, particularly through employment opportunities:

"Understand that for those eight individuals working at this Costco, this corporation has changed their lives with the possibility of a second chance. That’s what America is about—that’s what we are all about."

McGreevey’s statement underscored the impact of corporate hiring practices on individuals seeking rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Reverend Dr. Johnnie Melvin Green, Jr., D. Min - Senior Pastor

"We Are Living Through a Reversal of Progress"

Reverend Dr. Johnnie L. Green, Senior Pastor of Mount Neboh Baptist Church, expressed deep concern over recent political shifts threatening DEI initiatives:

"It is unfortunate that we are living like this—where we have a president who, in the last 11 days, with a stroke of the pen, has attempted to turn back 60 to 100 years of progress."

His remarks highlighted the broader national battle over civil rights, emphasizing that efforts to dismantle DEI are part of a larger attack on long-standing racial and social justice advancements.

Rev. Bolivar Flores: "We Will Fight Back"

Reverend Bolivar Flores, Vice President of the New Jersey Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers, reinforced the Latino community’s commitment to economic resistance:

"The message is clear: Our 475 will support those who support us. And together, with the spirit of the Lord, we will fight back."

His declaration illustrated the spiritual and community-driven resilience of those fighting for equal opportunities and corporate accountability.

A Closing Prayer and a Call to Action

The event concluded with a powerful and moving prayer from Newark Councilwoman-at-Large Louise Scott-Rountree, uniting all attendees in a moment of reflection and determination.

This gathering at Costco was more than just a press conference—it was a call to action. Leaders from across the state made it clear: supporting DEI is not just a corporate choice, but a moral and economic necessity. The message was resounding—businesses that stand for diversity and inclusion will be supported, and those that withdraw will face the economic consequences of lost community backing.

As the movement continues, this event serves as a blueprint for future economic activism—one that rewards businesses committed to justice and holds accountable those who turn their backs on progress.

A Day That Won’t Be Forgotten

At the heart of this historic gathering stood Pastor Steffie Bartley, the Northeastern Regional Director for the National Action Network (NAN), whose leadership and unwavering commitment made this event not just a moment, but a movement. With precision, passion, and purpose, Pastor Bartley mediated this powerful assembly, ensuring that the voices of civil rights icons, political leaders, faith leaders, and community advocates resonated far beyond the walls of Costco in Union, NJ.

The movement continues. The people are watching. And the fight for DEI is far from over.