Unless you’ve been living in a cave (or your primary news source is Fox News or Truth Social), you’ve heard about the Black Friday Mass Blackout (BFMB).
The BFMB, called by some the Big Beautiful Boycott, is calling people who oppose the anti-Black and anti-democracy laws, policies, and moves being made by the current White House administration to flex their economic muscle this holiday season, and boycott companies that have donated billions to support this regime.
Some movements are calling for individuals to call in sick from work to emphasize that the money “We the People” spend and the labor we exert to make companies rich can no longer be taken for granted. And this is especially true in light of governmental and business decisions to put DEI, worker protections, healthcare access, and other essential initiatives into “File 13.”
Multiple groups, organizations, and movements, inspired by Pastor Jamal Bryant’s call, have made individual and collective calls around this action, leading to the successful boycott of Target and the current boycott of Dollar General.
Call to action
This year’s nationwide economic boycott, which spans from November 25 to December 2, may become one of the most significant protest actions in recent U.S. history. The call, driven by groups such as Blackout The System, The People’s Union USA, the 50501 Movement, and countless grassroots organizers, is simple: withdraw your labor and your dollars from the corporations and institutions that rely on them the most.
For Blackout The System, this is not merely a shopping boycott; it is a full “Second Wave” economic and labor blackout designed to expose who truly drives the U.S. economy.
“Day one, no work. No shopping. We vanish from their system,” an Instagram video declares. “We are the economy. Without us, nothing moves. We pulled our money. They can’t buy our silence.”
The group encourages participants to refrain from spending on shopping, travel, streaming services, dining out, and other discretionary expenses. They also ask people to call in sick, or, if unable to step away entirely, engage in “working strike” options. These include work slowdowns or simply withholding extra effort.
“See, there’s something that we all can do when we black out the system,” the video states. “If we got to be at work, we’ll work to rule, go slow, or shirk. But we’re definitely not spending money with any of you all. Putting our dollars back in our pockets.”
Extended boycott
The People’s Union USA is also calling for an extended spending freeze from Nov. 28 to Dec. 5, urging supporters to shop only at local businesses and avoid all major retailers.
“This is one of the biggest opportunities we have to show our strength, to remind them that we are the economy, and to shut down their greed-driven system,” the group posted on social media.
Much of the outrage fueling these movements stems from the widespread dismantling of DEI programs, the rollback of worker rights, and the escalating corporate influence over government policy. For many, participating in a boycott during the busiest shopping week of the year is not only strategic, it is a moral responsibility.
Participants speak
Grassroots voices echo this sentiment clearly.
“I’ll be participating in Blacking colonizers out and Blacking Black businesses and institutions in 24/7/365,” said Kefing Moor.
“Local and Black businesses have been my primary go-to since my first COVID stimulus check,” added Imara Hyman.
Others, like N.J. Thomas, view the blackout as a necessary response to a deeper systemic crisis.
“There is not a second that goes by that the name Donald Trump isn’t being cursed or praised, but he is only the symptom of a greater problem… He is the puppet; [the corporate CEOs] are the puppeteers.”
N.J. Thomas
“There is not a second that goes by that the name Donald Trump isn’t being cursed or praised, but he is only the symptom of a greater problem… He is the puppet; [the corporate CEOs] are the puppeteers,” said Thomas. “The Black Out is intended to dispel that myth and impact them where they live. We are the economy. Without us, there is no them.”
For some, the reason is simple and direct.
“Extreme capitalism is why,” shared Claudell Cannady.
For others, the motivation is grounded in duty.
“It’s my responsibility,” stated Lucrecia Brown.
Political strategist and writer Michael Starr Hopkins frames the moment in historical context.
“Every generation reaches a breaking point… When that moment comes, the people do not whisper, they withdraw. That moment is here,” wrote Hopkins. “We have been told that progress requires politeness… But nothing changes until those who build the country decide to stop building for free.”
Additionally, the 50501 Movement has released its own list of corporations to avoid on Black Friday and throughout the holiday season, while encouraging Americans to “shop local” and support businesses committed to DEI.
Meanwhile, Instagram user @tallnate77 has gone viral for identifying brands—particularly those owned by mega-corporations—that have donated millions to the current administration.
Across all these calls, one message is shared: the Blackout is a peaceful, strategic withdrawal meant to demonstrate collective power. As Blackout The System writes: “We are shutting down the U.S. economy – strategically and peacefully – by removing our labor, our spending, our financial support, forcing the system to listen.”
Suggested boycott lists for Black Friday Blackout participants
From the 50501 Movement:
- Amazon
- Target
- Walmart
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- McDonald’s
- Starbucks
- Disney
- Macy’s
- Nordstrom
From viral IG user @tallnate77:
- Libby’s Pumpkin (Nestlé)
- Stouffer’s (Nestlé)
- Stove Top (Kraft Heinz)
- Jell-O
- Prime Video (Amazon)
- WWE
- Butterball
- Ore-Ida (Kraft Heinz)
- Baker’s Chocolate (Kraft Heinz)
- Domino Sugar
- Goya
- Minute Maid
- Whole Foods
- Dasani
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Arby’s
- Waze
Companies to support for maintaining DEI (per DEI WATCH):
- Best Buy
- Costco
- eBay
- GAP (Old Navy, Banana Republic, Athleta)
- Kohl’s
- REI
- Applebee’s
- Olive Garden
- IKEA
- TJX Companies (TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Marshalls)
For more information on DEI commitments, users are urged to search for DEI WATCH.
