Americans Urged to Join 'Economic Blackout' to Protest Corporate Policies
A grassroots movement is urging Americans to participate in an “economic blackout” on Friday, February 28, as part of a broader effort to protest corporate policies and highlight consumer power. Organized by The People’s Union, the initiative calls for a 24-hour suspension of all non-essential spending, both online and in-person, at major retailers, fast-food chains, and gas stations. Essential purchases, such as food and medicine, are exempt, and participants are encouraged to support local and small businesses if spending is necessary.
The campaign, led by John Schwarz, founder of The People’s Union, aims to send a message to corporations about the economic influence of consumers. Schwarz described the blackout as a “wake-up call” to disrupt a system that prioritizes corporate profits over public well-being. The movement has gained traction on social media, with activists expressing frustration over corporate greed and the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by major companies.
This one-day boycott is part of a larger wave of consumer activism, including targeted boycotts of companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Nestlé in the coming months. Civil rights lawyer Nekima Levy Armstrong emphasized the importance of using economic power to push back against harmful policies, while financial literacy instructor Alex Beene noted the growing trend of consumer protests influencing corporate decisions.
While the exact number of participants remains unclear, organizers plan to track engagement through social media and website registrations. The success of the blackout could set a precedent for future consumer-led actions aimed at holding corporations accountable.
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