California fights U.S. threat to end school funding over diversity

• April 24, 2025

As the federal government threatens funding cuts over school diversity programs, California says it already complies with federal law and that the Trump administration’s actions are illegal.

Meanwhile, many Southern California school districts are echoing the state’s stance, with some saying they never received a letter from federal officials.

Thursday, April 24, is the deadline from the U.S. Department of Education for K-12 districts to certify they are complying with the federal interpretation of Title VI or risk losing federal funding. Title VI is part of the 1964 Civil Rights Act that bars discrimination based on race, color or national origin.

The Trump administration wants to ensure public schools are following federal civil rights laws and ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Earlier this month, Craig Trainor, the administration’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights, said in a statement that many schools have flouted their legal obligations, “including by using DEI programs to discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another.”

It’s the latest move by the administration to check on DEI programs. It launched an “End DEI Portal” in February for parents to report if school districts are discriminating against students based on race or sex, a Feb. 27 U.S. Department of Education news release states.

The California Department of Education sent an April 11 letter to the federal government saying the state has already certified it will abide by federal civil rights law for the 2024-25 school year. State officials also contend the threat to withhold federal dollars is illegal.

Representatives of several Southern California districts said they believed the state would handle the issue. A state department of education spokesperson could not be reached to answer questions but pointed to the office’s April 11 response to the federal government.

An April 3 notice from the U.S. Department of Education gives states and schools until Thursday, April 24, to sign and return a certification.

That certification asks state and school leaders to sign a “reminder of legal obligations” acknowledging that their federal money comes on the condition that they comply with federal civil rights laws. It also demands compliance with several pages of legal analysis written by the administration.

The certification followed a Feb. 14 memo declaring that any school policy that treats students or staff differently because of their race is illegal. It aimed to fight what the memo described as widespread discrimination in education, often against White and Asian American students.

At least one Southern California school district has complied.

The Chino Valley Unified School District in San Bernardino County — which is led by a conservative board — signed the documents and returned them, district spokesperson Andrea Johnston said.

Chino Valley received more than $18 million in federal funding in the 2024-25 school year, Johnston said.

The Chino Valley board has a conservative majority led by President Sonja Shaw, who recently announced a 2026 run for California’s superintendent of schools post.

The board has made national headlines for conservative policies such as a parent notification policy requiring schools to inform parents if a child changes their school record, which would include changing one’s pronouns. The policy has been criticized by foes who say it targets LGBTQ+ students.

In Orange County, some school districts say they haven’t been asked to make changes ahead of the deadline, and for now, they’re not planning to.

The Capistrano Unified School District, the county’s largest, hasn’t received any formal request to certify its compliance and “would need more details in order to do so,” spokesperson Ryan Burris said.

Similarly, the Orange Unified School District received no directive requiring program changes or materials. The district follows guidance from the state and county departments of education and is focused on supporting “the academic success and well-being of all students,” spokesperson Hana Brake said.

“If any official guidance is issued, we will thoroughly review it to ensure our practices comply with all relevant laws and regulations,” Brake said.

The Orange County Department of Education confirmed it has been monitoring the federal government’s request, though it didn’t directly receive the certification request letter. The department regularly certifies that it complies with federal laws as a condition of receiving funding and has already submitted assurances for the 2024–25 school year, Superintendent Stefan Bean said.

The department’s legal office issued guidance to districts affirming those existing assurances remain in effect.

Los Angeles Unified School District, is the largest school district in California, with more than 640,000 students and is the second largest in the United States.

A district spokesperson said that, while the request is similar to other certifications, officials would continue to follow the lead of the state.

In the Inland Empire, officials at other districts said they remained committed to serving all students, regardless of race and are complying with civil rights laws.

The Riverside Unified School District received the federal letter but officials believed it implied that the state Department of Education would handle the issue, spokesperson Liz Pinney-Muglia said.

Some checked with the state.

“We have been in communication with the California Department of Education to ensure that our programs and services are in line with the State of California’s Education Code,” Craig Petinak, spokesperson for the Riverside County Office of Education, said in a Monday, April 21, email.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

​ Orange County Register 

Orange County boys tennis sending several top contenders to Ojai tournament

• April 24, 2025

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Orange County boys tennis will be represented by highly-seeded singles players and doubles teams as it aims to maintain dominance this week at the prestigious Ojai tournament.

The 123th edition of event, which is the longest-running amateur tennis tournament in North America played at the same location, will begin its CIF boys competition on Thursday.

The boys singles and doubles finals are scheduled for Saturday at Libbey Park in downtown Ojai at 11 a.m. Both draws feature 64 singles players and 64 doubles teams.

In singles, Orange County’s top seeded players are No. 2 Cayden Wang of Crean Lutheran, No. 3 Rishvanth Krishna of University, No. 3 Brayden Tallakson of Woodbridge, No. 6 Matteo Huarte of Mater Dei and No. 8 Jovan Pedroza of Los Alamitos. The top seed is Lorenzo Brunkow of Palisades.

Wang and Brunkow are seniors committed to Vanderbilt and UC Santa Barbara, respectively.

An Orange County player has claimed the singles title in Ojai the past five tournaments. Corona del Mar’s Niels Hoffmann, now a freshman at USC, won the single crown last season by defeating Brunkow in straight sets.

In doubles, Orange County has the top seeds in No. 1 David Tran and Trevor Nguyen of Marina and No. 2 Caden Lee and Edwin Yuan of Beckman. Tran and Nguyen are the reigning CIF-SS doubles champion.

Humam Alajeely and JiHyuk Im of powerhouse University are seeded eighth.

Last season, Lee teamed with his brother Tyler to give county its third straight doubles championship in Ojai. In 2023, Tallakson and his brother Brayden won the crown.

An Orange County team also has captured the last five team titles, which is known as the Griggs Memorial Challenge Trophy. Corona del Mar is the reigning team champion.

The Ojai is considered the most competitive tournament of the boys tennis season because it’s the only event that includes players from the Los Angeles, San Diego and Southern sections.

​ Orange County Register 

9 concerts and comedy acts coming to Southern California casinos in May

• April 24, 2025

As we get ready for summer with April showers behind us, entertainment at Southern California casinos will be blooming like May flowers with funk music, stand-up comedy, rock stars and more.

Be sure to check each casino’s official website for the most up-to-date event information.

Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton

When it comes to funk icons, no group quite does it like Parliament Funkadelic and George Clinton. The band of afro-futurists headed by Clinton uses elements to deliver eclectic performances full of psychedelic funk, outlandish fashion, and humor. The group was recently featured in a PBS documentary, dubbed “We Want The Funk!” 8 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at Pechanga Resort Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula. $46-$61. 877-711-2946, pechanga.com.

Tom Jones

Tom Jones is on tour, boasting hits from his expansive catalog such as “It’s Not Unusual,” “What’s New Pussycat?” and “Delilah.” While he made a name for himself with his rhythmic and bluesy soul music early in his career, Jones has continued to expand his style. He’s collaborated with several different artists, including Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Dolly Parton and Ed Sheeran. 8 p.m. Sunday, May 11, at Harrah’s Resort Southern California, Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center. Tickets start at $117.05. 760-751-3100. harrahssocal.com.

Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz, best known for his hit “I’m Yours,” has more music he wants to share, including his 2023 release, “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride.” His eighth album is a mix of pop with some disco influences that features an insight into his experiences with being in his mid-40s. 8 p.m. Friday, May 16, at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. $85.00-$200.00. 888-999-1995, aguacalientecasinos.com.

Morris Day & The Time and Sheila E.

Prince initially built the funk and soul group as The Time before they broke off and did their own thing independently with Morris Day. For the show, the band will also be joined by another Prince protégé and singer-songwriter, Sheila E. 8 p.m. Saturday, May  16, at Pala Casino, Spa & Resort, 11154 Highway 76, Pala. $59-$89. 877-946-7252, palacasino.com.

Chris Estrada

Chris Estrada has found himself doing more stand-up shows since the unfortunate cancelation of his Hulu series “This Fool.” Before the success of the show, he was performing stand-up and delivering sharp-witted humor with laid-back style. If you enjoyed the Hulu show or are just looking for some new stand-up comedy, Estrada is a must-see performer. 8 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella. $33.85. 760-775-5566. spotlight29.com

Missing Persons and Stacy Q

The ’80s new wave and synth pop group Missing Persons had been missing in action for nearly two decades. The group rose to prominence in the MTV era but disbanded shortly after the release of their third album, “Color in Your Life.” They reunited in 2011 and by November 2023, the group released their first record, “Hollywood Lie” with all original music in nearly three decades. 8 p.m. May 22, at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon. Tickets start at $26. 951-849-3080. morongocasinoresort.com.

Leslie Jones

Saturday Night Live alum and star of Max’s “Our Flag Means Death” is back on the road performing stand-up. In an interview with Seven Days, Vermont’s newspaper, the 57-year-old comedian said she wanted to make people laugh and get them out of any doom-spiraling depression. If that sounds like you or you’re just in need of a laugh, you’ll want to catch Jones’ performance. 9 p.m. Friday, May 23, at Soboba Casino Resort, 22777 Soboba Road, San Jacinto. $39-$79. 951-665-1000, soboba.com.

Jason Bonham

Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin’s late drummer John Bonham, is on tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of the band’s “Physical Graffiti” album. The show will feature a full performance of the double album, featuring some of the group’s most iconic hits such as “In My Time of Dying,” “Trampled Underfoot,” and “Kashmir.” 8 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. $52.50-$62.50. 800-827-2946. fantasyspringsresort.com.

Caifanes

The Mexican rock band Caifanes is back in the U.S. for a short stop on their 2025 Americas tour. Even if you don’t speak or understand Spanish, the group of rockers of all backgrounds can enjoy their electrifying performance. The more well-versed rock fans might even catch elements of The Cure and King Crimson, as they’re cited as major influences of the group. 8 p.m. Monday, May 26, at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, 777 San Manuel Blvd., Highland. Tickets start at $800; 21-and-older only. 909-864-5050. yaamava.com.

​ Orange County Register 

Man suspected of harming and killing cats in Santa Ana arrested

• April 24, 2025

A 45-year-old man was arrested Wednesday morning, April 23, on suspicion of felony animal cruelty following weeks of reports from community members that he had been luring and harming cats in a Santa Ana neighborhood, authorities said.

The investigation of the suspect, Alejandro Oliveros Acosta, began after multiple reports over several weeks alleged that the man had been attracting neighborhood cats in the area of Sullivan Street and McFadden Avenue to his property, where he then injured or killed them, police said.

The exact number of cats harmed or killed was not immediately available, but Santa Ana Police Department spokeswoman Yessenia Aspeipia said over a dozen carcasses were found at his home. The suspect is believed to have manually harmed and killed the animals, Aspeipia said.

Investigators identified the suspect, who they say was captured on video shared by police on X and Facebook,  appearing to lure and harm a cat behind a pickup truck. The footage helped corroborate the allegations, officials said.

There were over 200 comments left on the Facebook post, including many by Santa Ana residents, expressing their relief that the suspect was in custody and calling for a lengthy prison sentence.

”Finally!!! Happy to hear he was taken off the streets,” one commenter wrote. “Absolutely vile.”

“Lock him up and throw away the key!” another wrote.

“Not a good chance on rehabilitation of someone who tortured and kills animals,” wrote a third. “If anything, they tend to escalate to humans.”

Details regarding a potential motive were not immediately available.

The man is also suspected of abducting a Bengal Lynx cat named Clubber from its home in Westminster last month, Aspeipia said. The 10-month-old kitten was returned to its owner after she posted about the abduction on social media.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for Acosta’s residence on the 2300 block of West Wilshire Avenue and, with assistance from Westminster police and Santa Ana Animal Control, collected evidence and arrested him.

He was booked into the Santa Ana Jail.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Police Investigative Specialist S. Guzman at 714-245-8416 or [email protected]

​ Orange County Register 

Veteran Carl Edwards Jr. returns to majors in Angels’ bullpen shakeup

• April 24, 2025

ANAHEIM — The Angels are giving Carl Edwards Jr. another chance.

Edwards, 33, pitched in 297 major-league games heading into the 2024 season, but he had only faced three big-league hitters since then.

After bouncing between the Chicago Cubs’ and San Diego Padres’ farm systems in 2024, and with a winter detour to Mexico, Edwards signed a minor-league deal with the Angels at the end of spring training.

He posted a 1.54 ERA in 11⅔ innings at Triple-A, with 13 strikeouts and three walks. The Angels gave him a shot as part of a bullpen shakeup on Wednesday. The Angels also brought up right-hander Victor Mederos, optioned right-hander Michael Darrell-Hicks and designated right-hander Ian Anderson for assignment.

“I’m excited to be back to a place where I feel I belong,” said Edwards, who added that he’s comfortable because of his familiarity with former teammates Kyle Hendricks, Jorge Soler and Travis d’Arnaud.

Manager Ron Washington said they wanted to add an experienced reliever besides closer Kenley Jansen.

Edwards has a career 3.54 ERA as a major-league reliever. He briefly tried starting with the Angels at Triple-A, but his performance improved as he moved back to the bullpen.

Edwards said he still throws a fastball and a curveball, but he’s added a changeup.

Mederos, 23, returns to the Angels after brief stints in 2023 and 2024. He allowed 10 runs in 8⅓ innings in his previous trips, with nine walks.

Mederos has been pitching this season at Class-A, and he has walked just three in his first 15⅓ innings. Mederos has been starting in the minors, so the Angels wanted to add a pitcher capable of working long relief.

“Maybe this time he’ll come up and he’ll be what we thought he was going to be last year,” Washington said. “He was throwing the ball extremely well, and we needed some length, so he gives us our length.”

The two pitchers who were sent out went for different reasons.

Darrell-Hicks had a rough debut but then he allowed just one run in 5⅔ innings in his next four games.

“I think he has an opportunity to be a big-league pitcher,” Washington said. “We’ll see a lot of Darrell-Hicks before the year is over.”

Anderson, on the other hand, had an 11.57 ERA in 9⅓ innings, with seven walks. He was a promising young pitcher with the Atlanta Braves before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023, and he’s been battling to return to that level since.

“We hope he gets through (waivers) and can stay in the organization, and we can help him work it out,” Washington said. “Because I know Ian personally, and I know he’s better than he’s shown.”

LINEUP SHUFFLE

Washington moved Soler from the cleanup spot to the leadoff spot, and Taylor Ward went from leadoff to cleanup for Wednesday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Angels’ offense has been stagnant for about two weeks.

“Just wanted to try Jorge in a different spot,” Washington said. “Maybe it’ll awaken him. Got to do whatever we can to get him awake. He did spend a lot of time hitting in the No. 1 spot, and maybe he’ll feel more comfortable there. So it’s just a tweak. I don’t know how long it’s gonna last.”

Soler was hitting .263 with a .785 OPS through Tuesday, and Ward was hitting .220 with a .719 OPS.

As a group, the Angels have hit .197 and averaged 2.6 runs over their previous 10 games. They’ve also struck out in 32.4% of their plate appearances in that span.

“I need to see them start being a lot more patient, being aware of situations out there,” Washington said. “Just swing the bat. We’ve been taking a lot of called third strikes. We’ve been chasing balls out of the strike zone, and now we need to start focusing on getting balls in the strike zone and start putting the ball in play, because a swinging bat is dangerous, and, you know, especially when you start making contact. So that’s what I would like to see.”

WHY SO LATE?

The finale of the series against the Pirates on Thursday is scheduled for 6:29 p.m., which is the latest the game can begin per the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Angels have a flight to Minnesota following the game, with a game against the Twins the next night. Normally, such a game would be scheduled in the day, but the Angels traditionally push the limits of the CBA to maximize revenue from playing at night instead of on a weekday afternoon.

This is the only game this year in which the Angels have such a tight turnaround because of travel. They will arrive in their hotel in Minneapolis sometime after 5 a.m. local time.

“It’s not ideal,” Mike Trout said. “I don’t even know when we’re supposed to land, but it’s gonna be early and then we gotta play that night. And then the worst part about it is the (Saturday) is a day game. It’s going to be a tough stretch, but we gotta get through it.”

NOTES

There is still no change with third baseman Yoán Moncada, who is out with a sprained right thumb. Moncada can hit right-handed, but not left-handed. He has been doing defensive drills. …

Right-hander Ben Joyce is still not throwing, although he’s progressing enough that his ability to throw is being evaluated each day.

UP NEXT

Pirates (LHP Andrew Heaney, 1-1, 2.13 ERA) at Angels (LHP Tyler Anderson, 2-0, 2.08 ERA), Wednesday, 6:38 p.m., FDSN West, 830 AM

​ Orange County Register 

LAFC acquires Frankie Amaya on loan from Liga MX’s Toluca FC

• April 24, 2025

At the closing bell for Major League Soccer’s primary transfer window, the Los Angeles Football Club added depth to the middle of the park.

Seeking to fight off fatigue from setting in for a trio of heavily used midfielders who have each played in more than 80% of LAFC’s 15 matches, LAFC brought in reinforcements Frankie Amaya and Ryan Raposo to its roster Wednesday.

Amaya and Raposo, the ninth and 10th inbound moves for LAFC this season, offer head coach Steve Cherundolo additional pieces he can deploy before stepping down from the role when his fourth and final season with the club concludes in the fall.

Those options also include midfielder Odin Holm, on loan through the end of the year from Celtic and hampered by an ankle injury in the preseason. Just now rounding into form, Holm, 22, has 108 minutes under his belt, starting once in five appearances, but the Norwegian did not appear in either of LAFC’s last two matches.

Like Holm, Amaya, 24, is a loanee through 2025. The move does not include an option to buy. The native of Santa Ana, a UCLA product and the No. 1 overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft in 2019 arrives from Liga MX’s Toluca FC, where he had two assists in 15 appearances.

Unlike Holm, Amaya comes to LAFC with MLS experience. The dual U.S.-Mexico citizen went from the college ranks as a star freshman with the Bruins to FC Cincinnati before being traded to the New York Red Bulls in 2021, totaling nine goals and seven assists in 131 career appearances inside the league.

Last summer, New York transferred Amaya for a reported $4 million to the Mexican top flight.

“We have admired Frankie’s growth and maturity over the past few seasons, and we believe he will add immediate value to our group both on and off the field,” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said in a statement announcing the move. “As we continue building a team that reflects our values and ambitions, Frankie’s character and playing style align seamlessly with what we represent as a club.”

Raposo, a 26-year-old free agent from Canada, signed with LAFC following five seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps, where he notched a handful of goals to go with eight assists.

Amaya and Raposo figure to help spell midfielders Igor Jesus (13 starts/14 appearances; 1,144 minutes), Mark Delgado (13/15; 1,127 min.) and Timothy Tillman (12/14; 1,083 min.).

​ Orange County Register 

Dodgers shut down Blake Snell with continuing shoulder issue

• April 24, 2025

CHICAGO — Blake Snell has been shut down from throwing again after he felt renewed discomfort in his shoulder after playing catch on Tuesday.

Snell will be re-examined when the Dodgers return to Los Angeles.

“As he was playing catch, (Snell) just didn’t feel great,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “So right now we’re gonna slow-play the throwing and probably get it looked at again when we get back home.”

Snell made just two starts this season before going on the injured list with shoulder inflammation. At that time, he admitted he had been pitching with the pain for three weeks.

“I thought I could pitch through it when I got to Philly,” Snell said early in April. “Played long toss, catch, tried to throw – I just couldn’t.”

An MRI revealed inflammation but no structural damage and Snell began a throwing program last week, progressing to throwing a bullpen session on Saturday during the Dodgers’ series in Texas.

After that bullpen session, Snell said he felt much better than when he originally went on the injured list. But he acknowledged that he still had some discomfort that had “lingered.”

“Once I get throwing, I’m good,” he said. “When I play catch, I don’t feel it. When I get out here, I’m good. It’s, like, when I wake up I gotta get it going.”

That apparently changed during his throwing session on Tuesday.

“I wouldn’t say concerning,” Roberts said. “Because part of the messaging from us to Blake is, it’s about later on in the season. And if there’s any type of discomfort, let’s not try to fight through it.

“So, I say this a lot, given where we’re at right now on the calendar, not concerned at all.”

The Dodgers have used three spot starters (Landon Knack twice, Justin Wrobleski and Bobby Miller once each) and a bullpen game to compensate for Snell’s absence. Right-hander Tony Gonsolin was scheduled to make his final rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday night and be available to join the Dodgers’ starting rotation next week.

SMITH SITS

Catcher Will Smith was originally in the Dodgers’ starting lineup on Wednesday against the Chicago Cubs but was scratched with a sore left wrist. Smith jammed it during a play at the plate in the sixth inning on Tuesday but stayed in and played the rest of the game.

“As he made the tag, his wrist turned in, so there’s some residual soreness,” Roberts said. “So we just felt it made sense to give him today, obviously tomorrow being an off day, and see where it goes from there.”

Roberts said Smith might get “some imaging” done when the Dodgers return to L.A.

KERSHAW PROGRESS

Left-hander Clayton Kershaw made another step in his recovery from last fall’s knee and foot surgeries by throwing three innings for Double-A Tulsa on Tuesday. It was Kershaw’s second rehab start and he is expected to make another next week. The three-time Cy Young Award winner is not eligible to come off the 60-day IL until mid-May.

Roberts called Kershaw’s outing for Tulsa “really positive stuff.”

“It’s getting better each day, each week,” he said of Kershaw’s surgically repaired toe. “It’s probably going to be something he’s gonna have to deal with, and it’s not going to be pain-free. But looking at the last couple outings, there’s been an uptick in velocity, which I know he’s certainly mindful of, which is a good thing.”

MARQUEE MATCHUP

Last week, right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto matched up with two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom and won a pitchers’ duel in Texas. This week, Yamamoto is lined up to face last year’s National League Rookie of the Year, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes, on Friday night at Dodger Stadium.

“I think everyone in baseball is gonna be excited to see this one,” Roberts said. “I think you could argue they’re the two best pitchers in the National League.

“I think that the deGrom one, if I had to guess, and I’m not trying to speak for Yoshinobu, meant a lot in the sense of, deGrom has a great track record winning Cy Youngs and to go head-to-head with him is something that’s pretty cool, right? But then you get this young phenom guy who’s a great pitcher – it’s a different kind of thing. So I think they’re both kind of different. But he’ll be ready for the task.”

MLB Network has picked up Friday’s game and will broadcast it nationally outside the L.A. and Pittsburgh markets.

UP NEXT

The Dodgers are off Thursday.

Pirates (RHP Paul Skenes, 2-2, 2.87 ERA) at Dodgers (RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, 3-1, 0.93 ERA), Friday, 7:10 p.m., SportsNet LA, MLB Network (out of market), 570 AM

​ Orange County Register 

Pastor calls for ‘full Target boycott’ over concerns about diversity, equity, inclusion

• April 24, 2025

ATLANTA (AP) — The pastor of a Georgia megachurch who led a nationwide 40-day “fast” boycott of Target stores over the retail chain’s commitment to diversity initiatives is now calling for that effort to continue as a “full Target boycott.”

The Rev. Jamal Bryant said this week that the Minneapolis-based retailer has not met all of the boycott effort’s demands. Among them: Restoring its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion principles and pledging money to Black-owned banks and businesses.

Target announced in January that it would phase out a handful of DEI initiatives, including a program designed to help Black employees build meaningful careers and promote Black-owned businesses. Conservative activists and President Donald Trump have sought to dismantle DEI policies in the federal government and schools.

Bryant is the pastor of one of the South’s largest churches, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, just outside Atlanta. The 40-day “fast” of Target stores coincided with the beginning of Lent on March 5, and other faith leaders endorsed the protest.

“Until Target comes to the table with serious, concrete proposals to meet our four demands, we will remain in this posture,” Bryant said on a website dedicated to the boycott effort.

“Silence and delay are no longer acceptable,” he added. “Our communities deserve action, not platitudes. Our demands are not radical — they are righteous, reasonable, and long overdue.”

In a statement Wednesday, Target said, “we have an ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all team members, guests, and suppliers.”

“It’s core to how we support and grow our business,” the company said. “We remain focused on supporting organizations and creating opportunities for people in the 2,000 communities where we live and operate.”

Target operates nearly 2,000 stores nationwide and employs more than 400,000 people.

​ Orange County Register