Additional Coverage:
- Activists urge Americans to halt all spending for a day in ‘economic blackout’ protest (themirror.com)
“Economic Blackout” Planned for Friday
A grassroots organization, The People’s Union USA, is calling on Americans to participate in a 24-hour “economic blackout” this Friday, abstaining from all spending from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM EST. The group is protesting the perceived influence of billionaires, corporations, and political parties on working Americans.
The organization, founded by Chicago-area meditation teacher John Schwarz, is promoting the blackout as a form of economic resistance. While the group claims to be non-partisan, they have not responded to requests for comment.
In addition to the one-day blackout, The People’s Union USA is planning a longer-term boycott of major retailers like Walmart and Amazon, as well as food giants Nestle and General Mills, starting March 28. The group also encourages boycotting Whole Foods, owned by Amazon.
This planned action coincides with other boycotts targeting companies that have scaled back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Rev.
Al Sharpton’s National Action Network is planning boycotts of two yet-to-be-named companies, while a group led by Nina Turner has launched a boycott of Target. An Atlanta-area pastor, Rev.
Jamal Bryant, is organizing a 40-day Target boycott beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 5.
Retail experts predict the Friday blackout may have a limited impact, particularly in coastal cities, given current economic conditions and consumer spending habits. While some believe the blackout may temporarily affect daily sales, long-term sustained decreases in economic activity are considered unlikely.