Several Georgia religious leaders, such as Bishop Reginal Jackson of the African Methodist Episcopal churches, Reverend Lee May of the Transforming Faith Church, and Rev. Timothy McDonald III, the African American ministers’ founder Leadership Council, are asking for a nationwide boycott of Home Depot. They said they did not like the company’s unwillingness to meet them and listen to their concerns over Senate Bill 202.
What We Know:
- The boycott call came on the same day the Senate Judiciary Committee took testimony from Stacey Abrams and others at a hearing partially focused on the new bill. Since Republican Governor Brian Kemp signed SB 202 into law in March, many activists have asked corporations to oppose the legislation. Once Kemp approved SB 202, faith leaders began boycotting Georgia-based companies.
- Jackson, the leader of this movement, initially promoted barring Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines. However, he relented after having conversations with officials at the businesses. Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey denounced SB 202 on CNBC, stating it was “unacceptable” and “a step backward.” Delta Airlines also released a statement in which they affirmed: “that full and equal access to voting is a fundamental right for all citizens.” However, Jackson claims he has repeatedly contacted Home Depot executives, but nobody has answered him.
- The heads of the religious associations stood outside a Home Depot in Decatur when they mentioned this. They criticized the store for not rejecting the bill after it was passed by Kemp while also scorning it for refusing to meet with the faith administrators.
“We stand here collectively representing over 1,000 churches here in Georgia alone — 1,000 churches, hundreds of thousands, if not millions of parishioners or members…We stand here collectively together to launch this boycott,” declared May.
- McDonald referenced the store’s mission; it was a “business of building homes” and “tearing down democracy,” he said. “Teach our dollars some sense,” chanted McDonald and the crowd. ABC News reported that the coalition has four specific requests of Home Depot. May states these demands are to speak out “publically and specifically” against SB 202; to oppose any other limiting voting provisions under consideration in other states; to support federal legislation that expands voter access and also restricts voter suppression; and to back any efforts, including “investing in litigation,” to stop SB 202 and similar bills. Before announcing their claims, May informed ABC the coalition is “fluid in this boycott.”
- McDonald also warned of an expansion in the embargo. He stated there might be phases two, three, and four. Without saying too much, he explained they might protest on their property, block their driveways, and enter their store. It was up to Home Depot as to how far the group would take it.
- Home Depot spokesperson Sarah Gorman told NBC News that the company chose to continue underscoring its statement that all elections should be accessible, fair, secure, and support broad voter participation. She also said the business would keep ensuring its associates all across the U.S. have information and resources to vote. Gorman raised the example of Home Depot donating 9,200 plexiglass dividers to Georgia polling stations. She also mentioned that the company “promoted voter participation” via internal programs.
This movement does not phase Gov. Brian Kemp. He criticized the boycott on Twitter, claiming “the left” will go to any extreme to “cancel” people who do not share the same political agenda. In a news conference on Tuesday, he noted the protest would hurt Georgians. He said it targets the livelihoods of employees and their families. Finally, he announced he would support Home Depot. Nonetheless, the religious leaders will continue to fight for their congregations’ right to vote. They will also demand other leaders fight for their people as well.
