Nationwide — Pastor Jamal Bryant has sparked a boycott debate after reacting to a viral video that called for boycotting Asian-owned businesses. He reshared the clip online and asked followers if Black consumers should put the claim to the test.
According to Complex, the discussion started after an Asian content creator posted a video urging Black Americans to stop supporting Asian-owned businesses. The creator argued that Black consumers depend heavily on Asian-owned services and products, including nail salons, dry cleaners, electronics, vehicles, and retail goods. He also claimed Asian communities would not be significantly affected by a boycott because they rely less on Black consumers.
Bryant reposted the video on social media and wrote, “Welp you heard it from them ….they said they don’t need our money and that we can’t survive without them! Yall wanna test his theory ?” The post quickly spread across platforms and drew strong engagement.
The reaction online was immediate. Some users said the video was insulting and pointed to long-standing tensions between Black and Asian communities. Others argued that the focus should move away from boycotts and toward entrepreneurship and stronger economic independence.
The conversation also linked to a separate controversy involving calls to boycott some Asian-owned businesses after the acquittal of South Carolina convenience store owner Chikei Rick Chow in the 2023 shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton. That case reignited public frustration and added momentum to ongoing boycott discussions.
Bryant has also taken part in the nationwide Target boycott movement. Alongside Mysonne, he has encouraged supporters to support Black-owned businesses, use Black-owned banks, and circulate money within Black communities. The latest debate continues to grow online, expanding into wider conversations about spending power, ownership, and economic influence.