‘Blackout Friday’ urges boycott of major retailers
by: Alex Coleman
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — An economic protest planned for Friday suggests not to shop at any major retailers.
In cities like Memphis and on some social media sites, information has been spreading for weeks about a nationwide economic protest called Blackout Friday. The point, supporters say, is to send a message to businesses that have chosen to eliminate DEI and inclusion initiatives.
The call to action or “inaction” is asking consumers to not make any purchases on Feb. 28 at major retailers, online retailers, grocery stores, and gas stations.
WREG talked to Joseph Kyles of Rainbow Push Coalition and Representative G.A. Hardaway of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators about the message they hope it will send.
“Well, Rainbow Push Coalition along with other organizations. I know that action, National Network, with Reverend Al Sharpton, NAACP, and others are calling for a ‘buycott,’ not necessarily a boycott,” said Kyles.
“One is to demonstrate our purchasing power by denying it to the majority businesses, but also to demonstrate our purchasing power by supporting and promoting small businesses, Black businesses in particular,” said Representative G.A. Hardaway.
“We’ll be speaking out individually and collectively so that people of color and those white folks who are economically challenged will understand their power,” said Rep. G.A. Hardaway.
The protest comes as people continue to endure rising prices on everything from food, gas and housing.
“We had to battle Jim Crow, and now it’s not so much your color of your skin, but it’s your economics, it’s your banking. It’s where you get regular rates or prime rates,” said Kyles.
Some critics say that halting spending for a single day isn’t likely to make much impact on major retailers, but organizers say it will draw attention to the fact that economic justice is needed.
“It’s where you have the opportunity to save and invest or just live for the day. And so, we want people to be able to thrive and not just survive,” said Kyles. “And so, we’ve got to have these economic disparities addressed.”
Organizers of Blackout Friday say they will also fight for better jobs, contracts, and other opportunities for people struggling in today’s economy.
“I support boycotting any space or business that does not value our dollars or our patronage,” said Rep. Jesse Chism (D-Memphis), chair of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators. “On February 28, as individuals across the nation take a stand against businesses that have chosen to eliminate DEI and inclusion initiatives, we will demonstrate the power of our collective voice through strategic economic action. If they have made it clear that they do not care about us, we will show them the strength of our economic power through silence.”
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