The U.S. abstained from the vote of a United Nations resolution to condemn Russia’s war against Ukraine on the war’s third anniversary.
In light of controversial new policies enacted by President Donald Trump, a nationwide movement is calling for an economic blackout on Friday, Feb. 28.
The activism surrounding the protest has been shared widely on social media, encouraging consumers to refrain from shopping at major retailers on that day.
Companies likely to be impacted include Amazon and Target, which have recently eliminated their DEI initiatives. However, supporters of the boycott are urged to prioritize local businesses for their shopping and dining needs.
Here’s what we know so far about the looming blackout.
What is an economic blackout?
The boycott set for Friday, Feb. 28, is spearheaded by the grassroots organization People’s Union USA, as reported by Forbes.
“We are not a political party. We are not a protest,” the People’s Union USA website proclaims. “We are a collective of individuals uniting to reclaim authority over our economy, government, and the future of our nation.”
Initially, the initiative called for consumers to abstain from spending at major retailers and fast-food outlets for a full day, specifically targeting those that have altered or abandoned DEI policies due to Trump’s executive orders targeting such programs.
Nonetheless, the protest is not confined to these businesses and has evolved to encompass all corporations, including those that actively support DEI efforts.
“For our entire lives, they have insisted we have no option … that we must accept these outrageous prices, corporate greed, and billion-dollar tax breaks, all while we struggle to get by,” said the organization’s founder, John Schwarz, in a video shared on his Instagram account. “On Feb. 28, it’s a 24-hour economic blackout: no Amazon, no Walmart, no fast food, no gas, not a single unnecessary dollar spent… for one day, we’re going to finally change the narrative.”
When is the economic blackout?
The upcoming nationwide blackout is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 28. A subsequent consumer blackout is planned for Friday, April 18.
In addition to these initial events, several other boycotts are set for the upcoming months, including:
- Amazon: March 7-14
- Nestlé: March 21-28
- Walmart: April 7-14
- General Mills: April 21-28
Iris Seaton is a trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
