Nationwide Economic Blackout Protests DEI Cuts, Targets Major Retailers

A nationwide three-day economic blackout, dubbed 'Economic Blackout 2.0,' is underway from Good Friday through Easter Sunday to protest the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs by major retailers and under recent federal actions. Spearheaded by The People's Union USA and supported by faith and civil rights leaders, the protest urges consumers to withhold spending at large chains such as Walmart, Amazon, Target, and Starbucks, instead encouraging support for small and local businesses or those maintaining strong DEI policies. Organizers cite corporate retreat from DEI efforts and broader economic inequality as reasons for the boycott, aiming to pressure companies to reinstate inclusive practices. The blackout builds on previous consumer actions, including weeklong and one-day boycotts, which organizers say have shown mixed but noticeable impacts on some retailers' traffic and sales. Data on the effectiveness of these boycotts is inconclusive, with some analytics showing reduced store visits and others reporting flat or increased sales. More targeted boycotts against companies that have scaled back DEI policies are planned for later in the year.