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A social media campaign aimed at holding a nationwide economic boycott in the wake of George Floyd’s death has sparked a counter-movement.
The #BlackOutDay2020 boycott, set for July 7, initially called for people to only shop at black-owned businesses, but has now become a call for a shopping boycott for one day. Critics of the move and of weeks of Black Lives Matter protests are responding with suggestions for a shopping spree, instead.
I think I will go spend lots of money on July 7 https://t.co/lXKqOqErYw
— steelcitycrazy🇺🇸🖤💛🍷🐾 (@steelcitycrazy) June 27, 2020
“This movement is an awakening of the national consciousness of black people in America and abroad. We need economic solidarity in America amongst all black people unequivocally,” the group’s website states. “In order to break free from the chains of financial servility, we will organize days, weeks, months, and years if necessary when not one black person in America will spend a dollar outside of our community.”
“Black people alone account for an estimated 1.2 trillion dollars or more of spending in the economy annually. Together we have 3.9 trillion dollars in economic spending power. While we welcome allies who choose to stand with us, we make absolutely no apology for the fact this movement is FOR US & BY US,” the site adds, declaring that the blackouts will continue “until the system is broken and we have risen to power as a people.”
Texas resident Calvin Martyr began the movement in early May and the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody gave it a jolt of momentum, with the July 7 date being touted as a day that “not one black person in America spends a dollar.”
A separate hashtag #BlackoutTuesday was used earlier this month to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement following Floyd’s death.
Rapper and producer T.I. told his social media followers he was supporting the #BlackOutDay2020 and urged them to do the same.
But the many social media posts about the coming boycott sparked a movement of a different sort as some Twitter users pushed back, announcing plans to mark their calendars and spend that day shopping.
See you there
— steelcitycrazy🇺🇸🖤💛🍷🐾 (@steelcitycrazy) June 27, 2020
Guns and ammo!
— Brian C (@BrianClaggett) June 27, 2020
Last time someone suggested an economic boycott was the beginning of March. I was in the market for a car, so I made sure to buy it that day.
— JoM1227 (@JoM1227) June 27, 2020
Right there with you!!! It’s gonna be like Christmas in July around here🌲💯🙌🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙌🏻
— GrahamGirl (@KA_GrahamGirl) June 27, 2020
Hmmm. I want new clothes, makeup, groceries, paper products, etc. Busy day. The sad thing is they are not hiding that they want to destroy American businesses. Destruction, we’re supposed to think this is good?
— Cheri @b (@benci_cheri) June 27, 2020
I’m going shopping like mofo on July 7th
— yoyo (@JamesHu94377347) June 27, 2020
Other Twitter users issued a reality check.
Why do this right now with all we’ve been through with the virus fallout. Businesses have had it hard enough. Black owned businesses included. @realDonaldTrump
— Candy (@Candlest) June 27, 2020
Wouldn’t it be cool if Trump’s Economic Stimulus checks hit the bank on July 6th and they were not allowed to spend it the next day?
— World’s problems MORAL not political (@Alodar) June 27, 2020
…so they want to ruin the economy that supports 41.6 % of the black population…yeah that’s smart…
— Greg Busby (@greg_busby) June 27, 2020
I wake up each morning wondering how long before I read more new stupid – it takes less than 30 seconds these days…
— RD Carrington (@rdcarrington) June 27, 2020
I’m going out & buying things that will drive Liberals NUTS…
– Firearms (multiple)
– Flag lapel pins
– Largest flag & flagpole I can find
– Chick-fil-A sandwiches
– Bibles from Hobby Lobby
– McDonald’s Happy Meal
– Soft drink over 16 oz
– Gas guzzling Ford truck
& many more… pic.twitter.com/rWKoJ7jafC— Workin’ 4 the Gov’ment (@RedTexanMike) June 27, 2020
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.
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