Consumers across the United States are planning a one-day economic blackout on February 28, 2025. The movement encourages people not to spend any money for 24 hours to protest corporate greed and companies rolling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. If spending is necessary, organizers suggest buying only from local businesses.
Who Started the Economic Blackout?
The blackout was started by social media activist John Schwarz, known as TheOneCalledJai on Instagram. He launched the movement to express frustration over corporate decisions that negatively impact communities. The action has since grown under his organization, The People's Union, which has planned further boycotts of major companies.
Other Planned Boycotts
Apart from the Feb. 28 economic blackout, several other boycotts are scheduled:
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Amazon: March 7-14
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Nestlé: March 21-28
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Walmart: April 7-14
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Another one-day blackout: April 18
Do Boycotts Work?
Boycotts have been used in the past to push corporations to change policies. Experts say that while not all boycotts succeed, they can pressure companies to take action or rethink their strategies. The success of a boycott often depends on widespread participation and clear goals.
Other Consumer Protests
Several groups are organizing similar movements:
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Target Boycott: Started on Feb. 1 by civil rights activists protesting the company’s rollback of DEI programs.
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Faith Community Boycott: A 40-day boycott of Target beginning March 5, organized through TargetFast.org.
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#LatinoFreeze Movement: Encourages Latino Americans to spend only on essentials and support businesses aligned with the cause.
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National Action Network “Buy-Cotts”: Led by Rev. Al Sharpton, directing supporters to spend at Costco, which continues to support DEI initiatives.
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Upcoming Boycotts: The National Action Network plans to announce boycotts of two major companies in the next 90 days.
How Consumers Can Participate
If you want to support the Feb. 28 economic blackout, you can:
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Avoid spending any money for the entire day.
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If necessary, shop at local or minority-owned businesses.
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Spread awareness on social media using hashtags like #EconomicBlackout and #BoycottGreed.
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Support future planned boycotts against major corporations.
The Feb. 28 blackout is part of a larger movement where consumers are taking a stand against corporate decisions they believe are harmful. Whether or not it will have a significant impact remains to be seen, but it is clear that many people are eager to make their voices heard through financial action.
