NEW YORK -- A grassroots organization is urging U.S. residents to abstain from spending money today as part of the "economic blackout" protest, aiming to highlight the impact of billionaires and corporate interests on the lives of working Americans. The People's Union USA has called for this 24-hour spending freeze, which began at midnight and will last until 11:59 p.m. EST on February 28, 2025.
Founded by John Schwarz, a meditation teacher living near Chicago, The People's Union USA describes itself as politically neutral but dedicated to achieving economic justice and systemic change. The organization encourages participants to refrain from making any purchases, especially from large retailers and chains, including Walmart, Amazon, and fast-food establishments, and instead supports local small businesses for emergencies and essentials.
"If you have to, go to the local pizza place or the small local boutique," Schwarz told CBS MoneyWatch. "It's not about disrupting your life; it’s about making the choice to support those who align with our values." This protest has gained traction across social media, with thousands engaging under the hashtag #EconomicBlackout.
The call to action reflects widespread concerns about economic inequality exacerbated by soaring consumer prices, which have affected everything from gas to groceries—for example, the price of eggs has skyrocketed recently. One protester, 83-year-old Pat Gavin-Gordon from Minneapolis, expressed her agreement with the boycott, which aims to voice dissent against corporate decisions to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Pat said, "I’m just not going to spend any money today. I’ve seen so much happening, like layoffs of young people for reasons not aligned with their performance." The protest also coincides with broader grievances against corporate giants, with many calling to action against the rollback of DEI programs and other policies.
Alongside The People's Union, several public figures have endorsed the protest. Notable activists and faith leaders support boycotts targeting companies like Target, which has recently ceased its diversity initiatives, drawing criticism from groups dedicated to civil rights and inclusion. Activist Rev. Al Sharpton has promised to identify companies abandoning these initiatives for potential boycotts, exclaiming, "Donald Trump can cut federal DEI programs to the bone, but he cannot tell us what grocery store we shop at."
The economic blackout is strategically timed to coincide with the growing frustration over corporate practices and government policies. Many participants are expressing hope for change, believing their actions will demonstrate collective economic power. Isabel Cotarelo, 69, remarked, "One day of Economic Blackout may not impact the corporations gravely, but they will see action, and hopefully, motivate more people to resist the path we are on as a country."
While the February 28 Economic Blackout is one major event, The People's Union plans subsequent actions, including another blackout on March 28, and various weeklong boycotts against targeted retailers such as Amazon and Nestlé. Schwarz emphasizes the importance of sustained engagement: "If one million people participate, it might not be huge compared to our overall population, but every participant's choice not to spend sends a clear message. This is our shot across the bow."
Experts remain skeptical about the protest’s effectiveness over the long haul. Anna Tuchman, marketing professor at Northwestern University, shared insights on why such single-day boycotts often fail to create lasting changes. "While it might make some symbolic impact, consumer spending isn’t easily swayed, especially for just one day. I think it’s unlikely these actions will sustain long-term decreases in spending behavior."
Despite skepticism, participants believe engaging with the economic blackout is worthwhile. Afya Evans, a consultant from Atlanta, pledges to shop intentionally today, focusing on small and Black-owned businesses. She remarked, "It’s broader than just shopping. We want to see what the impact is. Let everybody participate and create awareness for collective action."
The protest's potential impact is made more significant due to the backdrop of renewed economic challenges, with many facing financial pressures from rising inflation and uncertainty following recent government policies. This has led numerous organizations to assess their own stances on economic practices and consumer habits.
The People's Union is mindful of the potential criticisms about the feasibility of effective boycotting. Schwarz himself acknowledged the doubts over immediate impacts but insisted the key lies not just in the numbers but the intent behind the economic blackout: "This isn't just about one day. It’s about initiating conversation and action. If nothing changes, we’ve still made our stance clear. It’s about identifying who's responsible and refusing to support unfair practices."
Organizers are hoping to keep the momentum going, and they realize this act could ignite larger discussions around corporate responsibility and social justice. While retailers have yet to comment publicly about the call for the economic blackout, consumer engagement on this issue will likely evolve as The People's Union continues to rally for economic justice.
The effectiveness of today's protest will be observed closely, serving as not merely a statement of dissent but as part of a larger movement advocating for fundamental economic changes across the United States.