PepsiCo to Meet with Rev. Al Sharpton Amid Criticism Over DEI Cutbacks
PepsiCo has agreed to meet with civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton following growing backlash over the company’s reported scale-back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The move comes as concerns mount among civil rights groups and advocacy organizations over corporate pullbacks on social justice commitments made in the wake of the 2020 racial justice movement.
Sharpton and other civil rights advocates have expressed concern that PepsiCo’s reduction in DEI efforts may signal a broader shift across the consumer goods industry, where corporate pledges on racial equity and inclusion could be falling short just four years after widespread public commitments. Sharpton had previously warned of potential boycotts targeting major brands seen as retreating from these promises.
“If you backed away from diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are going to confront you,” Sharpton said in a public statement. He has made clear that dialogues with major corporations—including PepsiCo, Walmart, and others—are intended to chart a path forward for continued investment in workforce diversity, supplier engagement, and community impact programs.
The Rev. Sharpton’s National Action Network and related advocacy groups have indicated they will continue pressuring FMCG leaders to maintain transparency and accountability regarding their DEI strategies. This includes tracking investment in minority suppliers, hiring practices, board diversity, and marketing representation.
PepsiCo has not publicly commented on the substance of the meeting but confirmed it intends to engage in discussions. The company’s past DEI commitments include a 2020 pledge to invest over $400 million over five years to uplift Black communities, boost Black representation in leadership, and diversify its supplier base.
The pressure on PepsiCo reflects wider scrutiny across the FMCG sector, where brands are being closely watched for the durability of their equity-led promises. Recent reports indicate a trend of corporations scaling back DEI teams or reducing public-facing efforts, citing economic pressures or political opposition in certain U.S. states. However, brands risk reputational consequences—including potential boycotts—if perceived as retracting diversity commitments.
As FMCG companies face rising social expectations from both consumers and stakeholders, how they navigate DEI strategies may become a defining element of brand value and long-term consumer trust.