Are they supporting Sharpton or are they victims of extortion?
It is extortion. They are making conscious business decisions that it is cheaper to pay (and take the charity tax deduction)then to face a black boycott and charges of racism.
Government Motors, MGM, Chase, Walmart; these are all known left wing corporations. Walmart went left a long time ago in the hope of protecting itself from Dems imposing unions on the corporation, via race baiting.
Toyota is surely paying for race protection because an executive said something unflattering about American Blacks that made headlines a few years back.
A bit of both, I suppose; most importantly, blacks are a key consumer group. Some will literally kill for certain jackets and sneakers, and if they want your product badly enough they will do anything to get it. Very motivated...
Both
Al was legendary in the 80s for shaking down companies (especially entertainment industry) by threatening protests. Give him a check and he goes away without taking further action.