Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
A pastor from Georgia has made headlines after unleashing a heated critique of President Donald Trump and his supporters during an Easter Sunday sermon. Rev. Jamal Bryant, the senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, referred to Trump’s followers as ‘roaches’ while discussing his ongoing boycott against Target.
In his sermon, Bryant condemned the actions of the Trump administration, particularly focusing on the deportation of illegal immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia. He cautioned that Black Americans could be next ‘on the chopping block.’ His choice of language was striking, suggesting a need for vigilance as he declared, ‘It’s dark in America.’
He elaborated on this metaphor by comparing the Trump administration and Republican supporters to cockroaches, stating that ‘Roaches only start running when you turn the lights on. As long as the lights are out, they’re going to be comfortable.’
He emphasized that a metaphorical light is about to shine on their actions, specifically calling out individuals like Elon Musk and political figures associated with the Trump campaign. His rhetoric was provocative, clearly designed to provoke thought and discussion.
Recently viral on social media, Bryant has previously attracted attention for using similarly charged language during church services. In February, he described Black Trump supporters as ‘coons,’ sparking widespread debate among followers and critics alike.
During the Easter service, Bryant encouraged his congregation to contribute financially to their campaign against the Trump administration’s moves against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. He outlined potential uses for these funds, including initiatives to provide meals for school children who may face food insecurity due to policy changes.
Alongside this appeal, he also criticized the removal of diversity-related literature from institutions, mentioning the Naval Academy’s decision to purge hundreds of DEI books from its library. According to Bryant, such actions threaten educational opportunities and cultural representation.
He expressed concerns about possible future funding cuts to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, citing the freezing of federal funds allocated previously. His remarks raised alarms about the implications for educational access within the Black community.
Updating the congregation on the Target boycott, Bryant claimed success while asserting the struggle was far from over. Earlier this year, he called for a 40-day shopping ‘fast’ from Target as a form of protest against the company’s reduction of DEI initiatives.
Highlighting the economic impact of the boycott, he noted that Target reportedly lost $12 billion since the boycott began and pledged to invest $2 billion into Black-owned businesses by the end of July. However, he demanded further action from the corporation, insisting other conditions remain unmet, which necessitated the continuation of their protest.
In past statements, Bryant has made it clear that he supports economic actions aimed at challenging systemic racism. During previous sermons, he declared, ‘I want the stock to go down because we are standing in righteous indignation against racism and sexism in this nation.’ His passionate advocacy continues to resonate within his community.
Target’s decision to scale back its DEI initiatives came in response to heightened scrutiny following Trump’s executive orders aimed at reviewing such programs. This shift adds Target to a growing list of corporations reassessing their commitments to diversity amidst political pressures.
In response to the controversy surrounding Bryant’s remarks, a spokesperson from Target reiterated the company’s dedication to fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all customers and employees. They emphasized that community support remains central to their business mission.
The White House also weighed in on the matter, with spokesperson Harrison Fields addressing Bryant’s comments. He quoted scripture, reminding the pastor of the biblical principle of non-judgment, specifically citing Luke 6:37 to emphasize forgiveness and understanding.
While Rev. Jamal Bryant did not respond to requests for comment regarding the backlash from his latest sermon, the dialogue surrounding his statements continues to unfold across various platforms.
As the controversy gains traction, it raises pressing questions about the intersection of faith, race, and politics in today’s America. The ongoing boycott against Target remains a flashpoint in the broader narrative of community activism and corporate accountability.
The implications of Bryant’s words, combined with the visible actions taken against Target, signal a larger movement among some community leaders seeking to hold companies accountable for their commitments to social equity. Bryant’s direct challenge to political figures and corporate entities highlights the critical role that faith leaders play in contemporary social justice advocacy.
