New economic blackout wants people to skip work, Black Friday shopping – The Clarion-Ledger

A group of organizations is calling for a national economic blackout on one of the busiest shopping weeks of the year. They’re calling for a spending freeze at major brands on the kickoff to holiday shopping season to protest the Trump administration and income inequality.
Blackout the System, The People’s Sick Day, American Opposition, the Money Out of Politics Movement, and The Progressive Network are grassroots groups urging Americans to enact a seven-day spending freeze and call out of work.
The “Mass Blackout,” includes Black Friday on Nov. 29 and Cyber Monday on Dec. 1, but there’s an exemption for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30.
Several large-scale spending freezes or economic blackouts have happened since February. The first had the most popular support.
Many economic protests in 2025 have been an effort to get companies to bring back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. Some aimed to send a message to the federal government or push for more general social changes like racial equality or better pay.
Multiple major brands and retailers have been the focus of boycotts that have ranged from seven days to a month or more. Some companies, like Target, Walmart and Amazon, have been repeatedly highlighted.
Ongoing boycotts will continue focusing on Amazon, Target and other brands through the end of November.
Here’s what you need to know about November economic blackouts or brand boycotts and the groups leading them.
The economic blackout is set for Nov. 25 through Dec. 2. People are asked to limit spending.
They’re asking people to stop spending on digital subscriptions, travel and restaurants.  “If you must spend: support small, local businesses only. Pay in cash.” 
The groups in the coalition had all independently called for shopping boycotts but decided to join forces for Mass Blackout.
“We are living under a political system captured by special interests, where billionaires and corporations write the rules,” Isaiah Rucker Jr., founder of Blackout the System, said in a statement. “Congress serves donors, not the American people, and democratic norms are being dismantled in front of our eyes, with corporate backing. This campaign is about showing them where the power truly lies, with the people.”
Carlos Álvarez-Aranyos, founder of American Opposition, told USA TODAY the coalition is “developing the American muscle for boycotts and blackouts as a way to leverage economic power” with the ultimate goal of leading a general strike.
“We don’t see this fight as left versus right. We see it more as top versus bottom,” Álvarez-Aranyos, who helped organize the “No Kings” protests and the Tesla boycott, said in an interview. “This is about Black Friday because, honestly, what we are seeing across the board is just unsustainable. We are being taken advantage of. Prices are up. Inflation is through the roof.”
The People’s Union USA is focusing on a handful of big brands throughout November. The list includes Amazon, Target, Home Depot and Kellogg’s. Historically, the group has asked supporters to shop at local businesses and keep spending and investments close to home.
Grassroots organizations, including Black Voters Matter, Indivisible, and Until Freedom, are asking shoppers to boycott major retailers, including Amazon, Target, and Home Depot, that they say caved to President Donald Trump and reneged on pledges to support diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Jessica Guynn is a senior reporter on the USA TODAY money team.
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.

source

About The Author

Gilliam Nii Lighter

See author's posts