On Feb. 28, Americans declared an economic blackout to end Black History Month.
With diversity, equity, and inclusion benefits under attack by the Trump Administration, protestors partook in 24-hour boycott of major corporations that removed equity policies.
Since the beginning of February, The People’s Union USA has posted on Instagram for preparation for consumers of the economic blackout. This post advises consumers to avoid shopping at Target, Walmart, Amazon, fast food restaurants and gas stations. If consumers needed to purchase anything, the encouragement was to support local and small businesses only.
Small and local businesses need consumer support more than ever. When purchase managers restock merchandise, they purchase through vendors and distributors.
Trump raised 25 percent on tariffs imported goods from Canada and Mexico as of March 4. Chinese goods is now at 10 percent, but set to climb to 20 percent, according to Tracking the Trump Administration’s Tariff Policies on Tax Foundation. Taxing different countries on essential goods will cost purchase managers more money for restocking items.
“We have definitely seen an increase in cost,” said Trail Coffee Roasters General Manager Zach Bailey. “The coffee market (C price) overall has essentially doubled this year alone. For example, a decaf Guatemala cost me $3.41/lb last year. I was just quoted $7.01/lb this past week. This is due primarily to supply chain issues, weather, and lack of trust in the overall global trade market.”
Inflation can negatively impact smaller businesses. If the price of goods rise for purchasers, most likely the prices will increase for consumers.
“We should support local businesses, a thousand percent,” said Leticia Adames, a Delta student. “I can see people struggling to pay more at a smaller business. But it’s worth it because you’re contributing to your local community.”
The People’s Union USA calls for future economic boycotts, calling it the “Economic Blackout Tour,” according to an Instagram post on Feb. 28.
March 7-14: Amazon Boycott
March 21-28: Nestle Boycott
April 7-14: Walmart Boycott
April 18: Economic Blackout 2
April 21-28: General Mills Boycott
May 6-12: Amazon Boycott 2
May 20-26: Walmart Boycott 2
June 3-9: Target Boycott
June 24-30: McDonald’s Boycott
July 4: Independence Day Boycott
“We are not a political party. We are not a protest. We are a movement of people, organizing to take back control of our economy, government and future of our country,” The People’s Union USA website mission statement.
“I didn’t know about the additional boycotts,” said Adames. “But I’m here for it.”
