What is Blackout Day - #BlackOutDay2020

Blackout Day 2020 - The Blackout Day Coalition

Earlier last week I started seeing social media posts pop up on blackout day and spending on black businesses. I wanted to learn more on exactly how to participate, and I found the Blackout Day Coalition page which outlines how to take action.

When Is It?

Founded by Calvin Martyr, Blackout Day is today Tuesday July 7th, and calls for Black people in America to not spend any money in this one day to show the economic significance that they hold in our nation. This movement also welcomes all people of color to participate and stand in solidarity with our Black community.

Why?

Minority groups account for $3.9 trillion in buying power in our economy (per the University of Georgia’s Selig Center’s 2019 Multicultural Economic Report). “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. In order to break free from the chains of financial servility. This mission includes and accounts for approximately 5,000,000 investors who trust that WE will always stay to course in maintaining integrity changing the narrative that OUR people can truly provide assurances maintaining confidence in, within OURSELVES.” - The Blackout Coalition

Take Action

As a POC, I stand with my Black communities and will not spend money on this day. And if I must (as this is not feasible for everyone), I will buy from Black-Owned Businesses. Because I was aware of this movement earlier, I planned out my day where I wouldn’t need to purchase necessities today, which isn’t the case for everyone. If you are a Black-Owned Business, and are looking for more visibility check out this Directory that you can add your business listing to.

News Coverage

USA TODAY - Blackout Day economic protest encourages shoppers to buy only from Black-owned businesses Tuesday, boycott others

Forbes - 12 Black Businesses To Support For Blackout Day 2020

CNN - #BlackoutDay2020 is today. Here's what you need to know

FastCompany - Here’s everything to know about Blackout Day 2020

New York Post - What is Blackout Day? Everything to know about the economic boycott

Black Businesses, Black Lives MatterAmanda N Hammondracism, antiracist, antiracism, antiracism work, anti-racist, anti-racism, anti-racism work, buy black, support black lives, support black owned business, support black owned businesses, support black-owned businesses, support black-owned bookstores, support black-owned, support black lives matter, black lives, black community, black lives matter, blackout day, blackoutday2020, black-owned, black owned, spending power, black dollars, black dollars matter, activism, activist, racism in america, systemic racism, blackoutday, #blackoutday2020, #blackoutday, economy, univeristy of georgia, american economy, buying powerComment