New York, NY – A grassroots movement in the United States is calling for a day of economic resistance on Friday, urging individuals to refrain from spending money as a form of protest against the perceived influence of billionaires, large corporations, and major political parties on the lives of working Americans. The People’s Union USA has coined this 24-hour spending abstinence as an “economic blackout,” garnering attention and sparking discussions on social media.
The activist group is not only advocating for the day of spending abstinence but also planning weeklong consumer boycotts targeting specific companies like Walmart and Amazon. Additionally, other activists, faith-based leaders, and consumers are organizing boycotts to denounce companies that have decreased their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, as well as oppose President Donald Trump’s actions to eliminate federal DEI programs and policies.
The People’s Union USA, founded by John Schwarz, a meditation teacher based near Chicago, emphasizes its non-partisan stance and commitment to representing all people. With the economic blackout set to begin at midnight and last for 24 hours, the group encourages participants to avoid making purchases at major retailers or chains, opting to support local small businesses for essential needs instead.
Furthermore, the People’s Union plans to expand its economic blackout initiative to March 28 while continuing to organize boycotts against retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Nestle, and General Mills. Various boycotts are also in the works, particularly aimed at Target for scaling back its diversity and inclusion initiatives, sparking actions by groups like We Are Somebody and faith leaders like Rev. Jamal Bryant.
While some experts believe that these boycotts may impact sales for certain retailers, such as Target experiencing a drop in sales due to backlash over past decisions, others question the long-term sustainability of these efforts. Anna Tuchman, a marketing professor at Northwestern University, suggests that the economic blackout may serve as a short-term expression of consumer voice but may not lead to prolonged decreases in economic activity.
Past boycotts, like those against Goya Foods and Bud Light, have shown mixed results, with temporary impacts on sales seen in some cases. The effectiveness of these actions ultimately depends on various factors, including consumer behavior and the competitive landscape within specific industries. Despite differing opinions on the efficacy of boycotts, individuals like Afya Evans in Atlanta are choosing to support small businesses and Black-owned brands as part of their economic activism.
