CMB Breaking News 📰🚨🚨🚨

“24 HOUR BLACKOUT FRIDAY today FEBRUARY 28, from 12 AM to 11:59 PM.

THIS IS THE FIRST STEP to counter the attack on DEI“🚨🚨🚨

### Breakdown of the Nationwide Economic Blackout on February 28, 2025

Today, February 28, 2025, marks a significant event: the **24-Hour Economic Blackout**, a nationwide protest targeting major companies such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Target for rolling back their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Below is a detailed breakdown of what this event entails and why it matters.

“What Is the Economic Blackout”

- **Definition**: The 24-Hour Economic Blackout is a consumer-led protest where participants are urged to **avoid spending money** at major retailers that have scaled back or eliminated their DEI programs. It runs from **midnight on February 27 to 11:59 PM on February 28, 2025**.

- **Targeted Companies**: Major corporations like **Walmart, Best Buy, Target, Amazon, and Google** are in the spotlight for dissolving or reducing their DEI efforts.

- **Alternative Action**: Instead of shopping at these retailers, people are encouraged to **support small, local businesses** during this period.

- **Organizers**: The protest is spearheaded by **The People’s Union USA**, a group advocating for consumer power and social equity.

**Why Is This Happening?**

The economic blackout is a reaction to two interconnected developments:

1. **Corporate Rollback of DEI Initiatives**:

- Many large companies have recently **scaled back or eliminated** their DEI programs, which were designed to promote workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion.

- Examples include **Amazon, Target, and Google**, which have faced criticism for dissolving these initiatives amid shifting corporate priorities.

2. **Political Influence**:

- The rollback is linked to **President Trump’s executive orders**, which aim to dismantle federal DEI programs. These policies have included:

- **Freezing funds** for companies not complying with new guidelines.

- **Outlawing inclusion-based messaging**, putting pressure on corporations to follow suit.

- This political shift has created a **ripple effect**, encouraging private companies to retreat from DEI commitments.

The protest reflects widespread frustration with both **corporate greed** and **political decisions** that many view as regressive, particularly those who feel marginalized by these changes.

#### **How Does It Work?**

- **Boycott**: Consumers are asked to **refrain from purchasing** anything from the targeted major retailers for 24 hours.

- **Support Local**: The focus is on redirecting spending to **small, local businesses**, amplifying their economic role while sending a message to corporations.

- **Social Media Amplification**: The movement has gained momentum online, with groups like the **Japanese American Citizens League (JACL)** and individuals on platforms like Twitter spreading the word using hashtags and calls to action.

#### **Why Is This Important?**

1. **A Stand for DEI**:

- DEI initiatives are seen as critical for fostering **fairness and representation** in workplaces. Their rollback is viewed by many as a step backward, undoing progress on social equity.

- The blackout is a way to **voice disapproval** and demand that corporations prioritize these values over profit or political pressure.

2. **Reclaiming Consumer Power**:

- By collectively pausing spending, participants aim to demonstrate that **consumers hold economic influence**. This is a direct challenge to corporations and policymakers who often seem unresponsive to public sentiment.

- It’s a symbolic act of **taking control** in a system where individuals often feel powerless.

3. **Potential for Broader Impact**:

- While a one-day boycott may not significantly hurt the profits of massive corporations like Walmart or Target, it could **spark a larger movement**.

- Experts suggest that if this leads to **longer-term boycotts** or increased activism, companies might reconsider their DEI strategies.

4. **Economic and Social Context**:

- The protest occurs amid **economic uncertainty**: inflation is up 3% year-over-year, essentials like eggs are more expensive, and consumer confidence is at an eight-month low.

- This backdrop amplifies the blackout’s significance, as it channels broader frustration with how corporations handle both **economic challenges** and **social responsibilities**.

5. **A Polarized Debate**:

- The rollback of DEI has sparked division. Critics of the protest argue that companies are shifting to **merit-based hiring**, which they see as fairer, while supporters of the blackout view DEI as essential for addressing systemic inequalities.

- The blackout highlights this ongoing **cultural and political tension**, making it a focal point for broader societal discussions.

#### **Will It Make a Difference?**

- **Skepticism**: Some experts doubt a one-day boycott will have a noticeable financial impact, as consumers might simply shop before or after the event.

- **Optimism**: Others argue its true power lies in **raising awareness** and building momentum. If it escalates into sustained action—like the month-long Target boycott by labor groups—it could force real change.

- **Symbolism**: At minimum, it’s a **visible stand** against corporate and political decisions, giving people a way to express their values through their wallets.

### Conclusion

The Nationwide Economic Blackout on February 28, 2025, is more than a one-day protest—it’s a **test of consumer power**, a **response to corporate and political shifts**, and a **call to preserve DEI** in an increasingly polarized landscape. While its immediate financial impact may be limited, its importance lies in its potential to ignite a larger conversation and movement around corporate accountability and social equity. By targeting major companies like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, and redirecting support to local businesses, participants are sending a clear message: their economic choices matter, and they’re willing to use them to demand change.