A Movement Calls for an 'Economic Blackout' on Friday: What You Need to Know

A Movement Calls for an 'Economic Blackout' on Friday: What You Need to Know

On Friday, a nationwide boycott known as the "economic blackout" will take place, with organizers urging Americans to refrain from shopping for 24 hours. Led by The People’s Union USA, a grassroots organization, the boycott comes in response to the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs by companies like Target, and protests against President Donald Trump’s plans to reduce the government workforce and carry out mass firings at federal agencies.

The group posted a message on Instagram stating, "For generations, our families worked, sacrificed, and fought to build a better future, yet here we stand, still waiting. We the people will not wait any longer. We stand in solidarity to honor the past and carve a new path for the future."

The Movement’s Origins and Goals

The call for the boycott originated on social media, with John Schwarz, also known as "J," announcing the formation of The People’s Union USA on February 3. The group advocates for "economic resistance, government accountability, and corporate reform," and is not aligned with any political party. Schwarz emphasizes that the movement focuses on "the system as a whole" and is not about individual figures like Elon Musk or Donald Trump. The group aims to hold billionaires and elected officials accountable, seeking "systemic change, not political drama."

The People’s Union USA has pledged to continue organizing boycotts until corporations are held accountable, billionaires pay their fair share, and the working class achieves the freedom it deserves.

What to Expect During the 'Economic Blackout'

The boycott will begin at midnight on Friday and last for 24 hours. During this time, participants are urged to avoid all shopping, including gas stations, fast food chains, and both in-store and online purchases from major retailers. However, the purchase of essential items such as medicine, food, and emergency supplies is still permitted. If participants need to shop, they are encouraged to support local and small businesses.

The organization clarified that the date was not selected to coincide with any historical event, and the boycott is just the start. A week-long boycott of Amazon and Whole Foods is planned for March, along with another nationwide "economic blackout" scheduled for March 28.

Celebrity Support and Wider Impact

The boycott has gained support from several celebrities, including actor John Leguizamo and actress Bette Midler. Leguizamo, with over a million followers, encouraged his fans on Instagram, saying, "This is how we exercise our Latino power! Don’t buy sh*t from any of these deniers!" Midler also promoted the blackout, writing, "Freeze your spending on Feb 28th.... Don’t shop! And if you have to, please turn to a local small business!"

The movement has spread beyond the U.S., with businesses in Canada joining in. One Canadian business posted on social media, "We, the people of Canada, are known for our kindness, hospitality, and inclusiveness... But there’s a limit to how far we’ll let anyone push us. We are no longer waiting for others to dictate terms—this is our stand, our fight, and our power."

This boycott also overlaps with other activist efforts, including a boycott against Target initiated by the advocacy group We Are Somebody, and calls for Black consumers to refrain from spending to highlight their socioeconomic influence.

As of now, the long-term impact of the boycott on company profits or retail sales remains uncertain.

Tags;

demure,
demure trend,
very demure trend,
give me my money trend,
just give me my money trend,
what is demure trend,
what is the demure trend,
demure meaning,
demure trend meaning,
bta trend,
i love your daughter trend,
gimme my money trend,
nice try diddy trend,
legging legs trend,
hey brother trend,
who started the demure trend,
what is the very demure trend,
where did the demure trend come from,