If you’ve been massively scrolling TikTok every hour, you may have encountered the “February 28 Shopping Blackout.” Or maybe you’re getting screenshots from your Auntie, who’s putting her credit card away this Friday. So, what’s going on? Is it mandatory? Are stores closing for the day? Can anyone participate?
What Is the February 28 Shopping Blackout?
The February 28 Shopping Blackout is a planned 24-hour economic protest where consumers are encouraged to refrain from spending money at major retailers. Its purpose is to protest rising prices (eggs, anyone?) and the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Starting February 28 at midnight, people are encouraged not to buy from major retailers, gas stations and fast-food restaurants. If essential purchases must be made, they should be made in cash and purchased at small, local-owned businesses. According to CBS News, the goal is to “disrupt the economic order and take back control of our economy, government and future of our country.”
And yes, the People’s Union is naming names: “No Amazon, No Walmart, No Best Buy” is the cry. All three companies have rolled back DEI initiatives since the Trump administration came into office on January 20, 2025.
Who Started the Blackout?
The Blackout was started by John Schwarz, founder of the grassroots organization People’s Union USA. They hope to send a message of dissatisfaction to large corporations by creating an economic dearth while supporting small business.
Leading the Charge
While the People’s Union has orchestrated this specific occurrence, the Black community has been participating in blackouts for decades. One of the most famous was the Montgomery Bus Boycott, considered the first large-scale U.S. demonstration against the violation of our civil rights. From December 1955 to December 1956, many Black Americans avoided bus transportation, causing major economic distress for the city.
Now, African Americans have initiated their own “blackouts” at stores that have reduced or ended their DEI initiatives. In addition, faith leaders and civil rights activists have urged Black consumers to redirect their spending to Black-owned businesses or stores and companies that remain committed to DEI.
