Rev. Al Sharpton Urges PepsiCo to Reinstate DEI Commitments
Rev. Al Sharpton is publicly calling on PepsiCo to reaffirm its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), following reports of the company scaling back DEI investments just four years after making significant pledges in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
In a letter addressed to PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta, Sharpton expressed disappointment over what he described as a “retreat from racial justice,” citing concerns that the company’s DEI agenda has weakened amid broader corporate pullbacks across the U.S. business landscape. The National Action Network (NAN), which Sharpton founded, is also engaging PepsiCo directly through meetings with senior executives to advocate for greater DEI transparency and renewed commitments.
In 2020, PepsiCo unveiled a $400 million, five-year initiative to support Black communities, address systemic barriers within its ranks, and drive inclusive business practices across its supply chain. Yet civil rights leaders, including Sharpton, say recent internal shifts suggest that momentum has stalled. He warned that if progress is not clearly demonstrated soon, NAN may mobilize protests targeting the PepsiCo brand, akin to previous campaigns against other companies perceived to have fallen short on racial equity efforts.
PepsiCo responded by reaffirming its position as “committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” highlighting programs aimed at workforce representation, supplier diversity, and community investment. The company claims measurable improvements in representation at both management and executive levels and maintains that it is on track to meet the five-year goals it announced in 2020.
This development comes as more FMCG brands face increasing pressure to maintain DEI as a strategic business priority rather than a transient initiative. With consumer expectations and investor scrutiny around corporate responsibility at an all-time high, scaling back DEI initiatives can risk reputational damage, employee dissatisfaction, and strained retailer relationships.
Sharpton’s call underscores a wider discussion within the FMCG sector about the long-term role of DEI in corporate strategy. As one of the most prominent consumer goods companies globally, PepsiCo’s actions—and inactions—could serve as a signal for broader industry direction.