Queen Connect

Target Boycott vs. Target Fast: Controversy, Leadership, and Community Accountability Over the past two years, the movement to boycott Target for its rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments has become one of the most talked‑about corporate activism campaigns in recent history. What began as a grassroots boycott in Minneapolis has transformed into a national conversation, and a source of controversy around leadership, strategy, and community representation. From Boycott to Fast — Two Beginnings In February 2025, activist Nekima Levy Armstrong, based in Minneapolis, where Target is headquartered, helped organize an economic boycott of Target soon after the company scaled back its DEI initiatives. Local activists felt betrayed by the rollback of programs and supplier commitments the company had made in response to the racial justice uprising following the murder of George Floyd.  Shortly afterward, Jamal Harrison Bryant, senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Bap...

5 Warning Signs of Spiritual Abuse in Churches Experts who study religious trauma say spiritual abuse often includes patterns like these: 1. Leadership Without Accountability When pastors or church leaders operate without oversight or consequences for misconduct. 2. Misuse of Spiritual Authority When a leader claims their position gives them special influence over someone’s life, decisions, or body. 3. Isolation from Outside Voices Members may be discouraged from questioning leadership or seeking advice from people outside the church. 4. Manipulation Through Scripture Biblical teachings may be used to silence criticism or pressure individuals into compliance. 5. Protecting Reputation Over People Churches sometimes prioritize protecting leadership or the institution instead of caring for victims. Recognizing these signs can help individuals protect themselves and advocate for healthier church environments.

Voices From the Pew How the Community Is Reacting to the Bryan Meadows Confession The revelation shared by Bryan Meadows during the Hardly Initiated interview has sparked thousands of reactions online. From church members to pastors to people who have already left organized religion, the responses show just how deeply stories like this affect faith communities. Below are some of the sentiments being shared across social media platforms. Many viewers expressed heartbreak after learning about the situation, particularly those who had once followed Meadows’ ministry at Embassy City Church. Some commenters said the hardest part is realizing that someone who preached about faithfulness and righteousness may have been living a double life. “This is why people struggle to trust church leadership. You pour your heart into a ministry and then find out the leader wasn’t living what he preached.” “He married people, counseled couples, and preached about family values while this was happening.” Fo...