An economic blackout scheduled to last three days starts tomorrow, following the end of the 40-day Target boycott, which coincides with the end of Lent.
These economic blackouts are a result of consumer pushback as major corporations backtrack on their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
The second larger-scale spending freeze, similar to the 24-hour economic blackout that took place on Feb. 28, will kick off on Friday as the “Economic Blackout 2.0.”
Here’s what to know about the three-day economic blackout starting April 18.
When is the Economic Blackout 2.0?
The next economic boycott will take place on Friday, April 18, and extends through Sunday, April 20, from Good Friday through the Easter holiday. Organizers of this boycott are urging Americans to change their spending habits at all major companies as a means to protest “corporate greed.”
The most recent boycott was the 40-day Target boycott that overlapped with Lent, which ends on April 17.
Who organizes the economic boycotts?
The People’s Union USA, a grassroots organization that has been working since 2020 to promote economic resistance and improve government accountability and corporate practices, has organized the economic blackout days.
They organized and promoted spending freezes in response to President Donald Trump’s call to end federal DEI programs and threaten tariffs on international imports. The boycott aims to target major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy.
How to participate in the economic blackout
Economic blackout participants will refrain from making any in-store and online purchases from major retailers, restaurants, large banks, fast food companies, and gas stations from April 18-20. The organization also encourages avoiding the use of credit or debit cards.
The boycott targets non-essential spending. However, spending on essential goods, such as food, medicine, paying bills, and emergency supplies, is allowed during the blackout.
The People’s Union says to only shop at local small businesses during that time, if necessary.
What was the 40-day Target boycott about?
Organized by megachurch pastor Jamal Bryant and other faith leaders, the 40-day spending fast/boycott was in protest of Target’s decision to pull back its DEI initiatives. The 40-day Target boycott began after more than 50,000 people signed a petition against the retailer. Pastor Jamal Bryant of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta launched the initiative.
Additionally, the NAACP urged customers to support not only Black businesses but also businesses that maintain their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
“The greatest insult comes from Target, which pledged to spend over $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by the end of 2025, only to find out that Target stopped the program at the start of the year,” the boycott’s website reads. “Black people spend over $12 million a day at Target.”
Economic blackouts will continue throughout the year
According to a story by USA Today, there are several dates for blackouts or boycotts this spring and summer:
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Second economic blackout: April 18-20
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General Mills boycott: April 21-28
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Second Amazon boycott: May 6-12
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Second Walmart boycott: May 20-26
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McDonald’s boycott: June 24-30
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Independence Day boycott: July 4
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: What you can and can’t buy during 3-day no-spend economic blackout
