A growing grassroots movement is urging Americans to pause their spending and labor during one of the nation’s busiest shopping weeks. The campaign, known as “Blackout the System,” has announced a week-long economic boycott from November 25 to December 2, coinciding with the Thanksgiving retail surge that includes Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Organizers describe the effort as a peaceful, large-scale economic protest aimed at challenging corporate greed, political corruption, and widening inequality. Participants are being asked to stop shopping at major retailers, avoid nonessential spending, and, where possible, refrain from working or traveling during the week. Instead, the movement encourages people to support small, local, and Black-owned businesses, keeping economic power within their own communities.
The boycott comes as millions of Americans continue to feel the impact of the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has disrupted key programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and delayed November benefits for families across the country. Supporters say the timing is deliberate — designed to highlight how working families and low-income households bear the burden of both government inaction and corporate profit-taking.
From Hashtag to Movement
Launched in 2020, Blackout the System began as a digital organizing network promoting solidarity across race, class, and culture. Over the past five years, it has aligned with groups such as The People’s Union USA, which has organized targeted boycotts of corporations including Amazon, Walmart, Disney, and Starbucks. Together, these networks have pushed for collective economic action to pressure both policymakers and corporations.
Economists note that large-scale boycotts often face challenges due to their short duration and broad scope. Still, organizers argue that participation itself — not just sales impact — demonstrates unity and economic consciousness that can grow into long-term action.
The “Second Wave”
This latest campaign, referred to as the movement’s Second Wave, marks its most ambitious effort yet. Organizers are hoping for widespread participation to prove that the strength of the economy rests with everyday workers and consumers.
Participants are encouraged to use the blackout period for civic education, local organizing, or community service, rather than holiday shopping.
The movement reflects deepening frustration over systemic inequities — from wage stagnation and corporate consolidation to the political gridlock currently paralyzing Washington.
While the national outcome remains uncertain, Blackout the System underscores a growing awareness of economic justice and collective power heading into the 2025 holiday season.
For more information, visit BlackOutTheSystem.com