• Numerous groups have called for a 24-hour economic blackout Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.
• Social media groups and other activists are protesting “corporate greed” and companies that have backtracked on DEI programs.
• Additional boycotts have been planned from March into April targeting specific companies.

Hoosiers might see fewer people in store aisles Friday — no, it’s not a federal holiday.

Numerous groups have called for U.S. consumers to participate in a 24-hour economic blackout, in part, to protest corporate and federal rollbacks of diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

The Feb. 28 blackout is one of several boycotts planned by groups of consumers over the coming months to make their voices heard using their wallets.

Here’s what you should know.

What is the February 28th blackout day?

The “economic blackout” is a 24-hour boycott proposed by several activist groups against specific retailers on Friday, Feb. 28. These groups have encouraged U.S. consumers to avoid spending any money online or in stores. If in need of essentials or if it’s an emergency, consumers are instead urged to support local businesses.

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Some groups have asked consumers not to purchase gasoline, refrain from going into work if possible, and to avoid eating at fast food restaurants.

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Why are people not buying on Feb. 28?

John Schwarz, an organizer for the Feb. 28 boycott and who goes by TheOneCalledJai on Instagram, told USA TODAY on Feb. 12 he and others are frustrated by corporate greed. In a video Schwarz posted to social media, he called for ordinary people to stand up for themselves against corporate interests.

“We are going to remind them who has the power. For one day, we turn it off for one day. We shut it down for one day. We remind them that this country does not belong to the elite, it belongs to the people, and this will work,” Schwarz said.

How many people might participate in the Feb. 28 blackout?

While it’s still too early to know for sure, a survey of 1,300 consumers by data firm Numerator suggested 16% of U.S. consumers could participate in the Feb. 28 economic blackout, with as many as 65% of respondents saying they would make no purchases at all for 24 hours.

Are other boycotts planned? Yes, at Target

Yes, Friday’s boycott is one of several planned over the next few months. A separate boycott against Target began at the start of February in protest of its decision to backtrack its diversity initiatives.

Why are people boycotting Target in February?

Civil rights activists in Minnesota urged Black consumers not to shop at Target indefinitely until the company reverses course on its DEI programs, said Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights attorney and founder of the Racial Justice Network.

“Target was a beloved community that seemed to build its model around embracing diversity and being intentionally inclusive of having Black brands on the shelves, having beautiful Black History Month displays,” Levy Armstrong told USA TODAY. “For them to essentially bow down to the mandates of the Trump administration was unacceptable.”

Where are people not shopping Feb. 28?

A popular social media post tied allegedly to the Rev. Al Sharpton has called for consumers to avoid shopping Feb. 28 at all major retailers, specifically Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, McDonald’s and other fast-food locations.

It’s not clear if Sharpton is directly involved in the Feb. 28 boycott. A Feb. 25 new release by Sharpton’s National Action Network announced it will issue an authorized boycott at the NAN Convention in early April.

Latino community also boycotting with #LatinoFreeze

Members of the Latino community have also encouraged a spending freeze. On social media, the hashtags #LatinoFreezeMovement and #LatinoFreeze are urging supporters to “hold your money” amid freezes on DEI initiatives.

What companies has the Latino Freeze Movement asked to boycott?

The website latinofreeze.com has a list of companies supportive or critical of DEI efforts — calling for Latinos to avoid shopping at Amazon, Target, Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Marshalls, Sam’s Club, Starbucks, Lowe’s and other major retailers.

What other consumer boycotts are happening?

The People’s Union, the organization Schwarz started, has planned future boycotts of companies on the following dates. A second broader one-day economic blackout is scheduled April 18.

“Some of you might say one day won’t make a difference and that’s exactly what they want you to believe,” said Schwarz on a video posted social media. “If enough of us participate, they will feel it and if they don’t listen, we escalate.”

When is the Amazon consumer boycott happening?

When is the Nestle consumer boycott happening?

When is the Walmart consumer boycott happening?

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John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at [email protected]. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.