Many consumers nationwide plan to participate in a 24-hour economic blackout on Friday, which started after midnight, to protest what they call corporate greed, companies that have rolled back their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and President Donald Trump’s efforts to eliminate federal DEI programs since taking office. During Friday’s one-day event, consumers participating in the boycott are encouraged not to spend any money anywhere for one day. If they have to spend, they are encouraged to buy from a local business.
It is difficult to gauge the economic impact of a one-day action with data. But one measure showed Amazon sales were up slightly instead of down.
The 24-hour economic blackout is one of several protests launched by consumer groups, which also includes specific boycotts against Target by national activists upset with the retailer for its retreat from DEI efforts. What is the Feb. 28 consumer blackout?
The organizer of the boycott, John Schwarz, goes by TheOneCalledJai on Instagram. He previously told USA TODAY he started the “bold” idea because the time was right and people are frustrated with what he calls corporate greed and other issues. The one-day action has since been expanded by The People’s Union, the organization Schwarz started. It includes boycotts of various companies and retailers during different time periods including Amazon (March 7-14), Nestle (March 21-28), Walmart (April 7-14) and a second broader one-day economic blackout on April 18, among others. A website, thepeoplesunionusa.com, has more information on the group’s efforts. What other boycotts are planned?
Friday’s boycott is one of several planned by different groups. A national boycott of Target started Feb. 1 to coincide with Black History Month. It was launched by civil rights activists in Minneapolis who were upset that Target has rolled back its DEI programs. Another boycott that lasts through the end of the year was outlined on Instagram by comedian and actress Leslie Jones. It encourages consumers to buy directly from Black-owned businesses and outlines planned protests in certain months against Amazon, Target and Walmart.