On February 28th, Americans participated in a 24-hour economic blackout organized by The People’s Union USA. The protest aimed to challenge corporate greed, rising prices, and the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Participants were encouraged to refrain from making any purchases from major retailers for an entire day.
The event gained significant attention on social media and was supported by celebrities like John Leguizamo, Stephen King, and Bette Midler. However, early data suggests that the blackout had minimal visible impact on consumer spending. Some reports even indicated that Amazon sales were slightly up instead of down.
In Tampa Bay, residents joined the nationwide economic blackout on Friday, taking the “no-spend challenge” a step further by imposing an economic blackout on all non-essential spending. This protest was in response to big corporations’ recent political behaviors and price surges. Local community leaders, such as Yvette Lewis, the president of the NAACP Hillsborough County branch, emphasized the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses during the blackout.
Despite the lack of immediate economic disruption, the organizers believe that ongoing boycotts and consumer activism could shape future spending trends and hold corporations accountable for their practices. The People’s Union USA has planned additional boycotts targeting specific companies in the coming months, aiming to continue their efforts for economic resistance and corporate reform.
Consumers are also showing their support for DEI initiatives by boycotting major retail companies that have rolled back their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. This movement has gained traction as consumers use their purchasing power to protest the retreat from DEI commitments by companies like Target and Amazon. The People’s Union USA and other grassroots organizations are encouraging consumers to support minority-owned businesses directly, ensuring that their spending aligns with their values.
While the measurable impact of the economic blackout remains inconclusive, the movement has sparked conversations about corporate accountability and consumer power. As the People’s Union USA continues to mobilize support, the long-term effects of these protests on consumer behavior and corporate practices remain to be seen.