Latest news with #EconomicBlackoutTour
Miami Herald
02-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
List of Stores Being Boycotted in June
A national grassroots organization along with other groups are pushing for more change and economic equality throughout June as part of ongoing boycotts against large and influential brands including Target, McDonald's and Dollar General. The nonpartisan People's Union USA has pushed economic boycotts of some of the country's biggest companies since February, vowing to protect the American working class from "the greed and corruption that's kept us divided, distracted, and struggling for decades." Companies like Target have reversed policies on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to the chagrin of The People's Union, which has called such corporate decisions "backward, regressive and dangerous." Newsweek reached out to its founder, John Schwarz, for comment. The "Economic Blackout Tour" rolls on, dissuading Americans from financially supporting Target between June 3 and 9; and McDonald's from June 24 to 30. Newsweek reached out to both companies for comment. The broad effort is not meant to repudiate Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Joe Biden or any other politician, The People's Union says on its website. The group is unaffiliated with any political party or ideological persuasion. "We don't play party games," the website reads. "We don't care who's wearing the suit. What we care about is truth, the people, and the power we hold when we stand together. ... This isn't about personalities, it's about the system. "Both parties have failed us. Billionaires and corporations have bought the government and weaponized the economy. We are not here to argue about figureheads; we're here to dismantle the rigged structure that's been crushing the working class for decades. We don't take sides, we take action." Other boycotts since February 28 have targetedAmazon, Nestle, Walmart and General Mills. Schwarz, who has more than 436,000 Instagram followers, took to the platform on Memorial Day to post a video invigorating like-minded individuals on what the group has already accomplished and what remains on its agenda. The video, titled "Time to Shut Down Target," encourages people "to hold the lines." "We already know Target is being boycotted, but they're not doing anything," Schwarz said. "They've had their chance. So, what we are doing between June 3 and June 9, we will be calling for the permanent boycott of Target. Shop anywhere else but Target, and I literally mean that. "If you got to shop at Walmart or Amazon, places we boycott, do it. Target needs to be shut down; this corporation needs to feel the full power of the people. All thsoe other corporations out there manipulating us will feel the full power. Stand in solidarity, the only thing we have is each other." Black individuals have also boycotted Target for their DEI policies and claimed lack of financial investment in their communities. Reverend Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, initially led a Target boycott during the Lenten season coined "Target Fast" in response to the company's elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles and lack of investment in Black-owned banks, businesses and education. "It's been absolutely phenomenal," Bryant told Newsweek on May 29. "It is the largest boycott by black people since the Montgomery bus boycott in its effectiveness. Over 200,000 people signed the [Target Fast] petition. "[It's great] to see over 2,000 churches to fall in alignment. To see the stock drop, to see the valuation drop, to see the CEO salary chopped, to see their foot traffic has dropped says that we've got amazing momentum and the wind to our back, and I really believe that a real civil rights movement is on the horizon." Bryant said Target Fast was borne out of Target's rescinding of DEI policies and the "reneging of their covenant to of the George Floyd family." "When we look at the bottom line of Black people spending $12 million a day in Target, we really felt that it was a betrayal," he said. "They made a covenant after George Floyd's murder, with no prompting, no rally, no protest and no pressure under their own devices. The CEO, Brian [Cornell] said that George Floyd could have been one of his employees. "For them to backpedal in such a speedy way, we thought that was a betrayal that could not be overlooked." He and supporters are now electronically boycotting Dollar General, aiming to overwhelm their systems with calls and emails, along with a social media campaign. Bryant said the brand, even with its 20,500-plus stores in 48 states and $40.6 billion in sales, is "swimming under the radar." "They have three times the stores of Target and Walmart combined, at about 21,000 around the country," he said. "They are in primarily impoverished communities. They're in rural areas of 20,000 or less. We ask for electronic in those rural areas because regrettably, for a lot of communities, that's their only option for groceries. There's no Publix, there's no Giant. "They've taken up that land space and $40 billion in profit, and Dollar General has never given to a Black institution; never given to a Black college; never given to a Black organization. They have no relationship with the Black Farmers Association. You can't just take our dollars and take our dignity at the same time." Target told Newsweek in May: "We are absolutely dedicated to fostering inclusivity for everyone—our team members, our guests and our supply partners. To do that, we're focusing on what we do best: providing the best retail experience for the more than 2,000 communities we're proud to serve." Walmart told Newsweek in May: "As one of the largest corporate taxpayers in the country, not only do we pay our fair share, we are an economic force multiplier strengthening communities nationwide through job creation, supplier growth, and over $1.7 billion in cash and in-kind donations last remain dedicated to earning the business of all Americans and giving our time and resources to causes that uplift and unite communities who rely on us every day." John Schwarz, in an Instagram post during the first Amazon boycott: "Every boycott, every blackout, every stand we take together is shaking their foundation. This moment isn't just about resistance, it's about reclaiming what's ours. Hold the line. Stay strong. The future is in our hands." Future efforts by The People's Union include an Independence Day boycott. It says more boycotts are being planned, with details to follow. Bryant said that boycott efforts across Black communities is an endeavor that escalated on Memorial Day and will at least for now continue until Labor Day, describing it as "the summer of our discontent." He is meeting with other community leaders to identify whether additional companies and brands should be boycotted as well. "We're we're hoping that before the summer ends that we'll have some resolve," he said. Related Articles Dollar General Boycott: What to Know About Key Difference From OthersTarget Cuts Sales Outlook, Cites DEI Backlash and Tariff UncertaintyIs Target Boycott Working? What Sales ShowTarget Boycott Sparks Protest for May 25: What to Know 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
02-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
List of Stores Being Boycotted in June
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A national grassroots organization along with other groups are pushing for more change and economic equality throughout June as part of ongoing boycotts against large and influential brands including Target, McDonald's and Dollar General. Why It Matters The nonpartisan People's Union USA has pushed economic boycotts of some of the country's biggest companies since February, vowing to protect the American working class from "the greed and corruption that's kept us divided, distracted, and struggling for decades." Companies like Target have reversed policies on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to the chagrin of The People's Union, which has called such corporate decisions "backward, regressive and dangerous." Newsweek reached out to its founder, John Schwarz, for comment. What To Know The "Economic Blackout Tour" rolls on, dissuading Americans from financially supporting Target between June 3 and 9; and McDonald's from June 24 to 30. Newsweek reached out to both companies for comment. A McDonald's location in Times Square is pictured. A McDonald's location in Times Square is pictured. Getty Images The broad effort is not meant to repudiate Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Joe Biden or any other politician, The People's Union says on its website. The group is unaffiliated with any political party or ideological persuasion. "We don't play party games," the website reads. "We don't care who's wearing the suit. What we care about is truth, the people, and the power we hold when we stand together. ... This isn't about personalities, it's about the system. "Both parties have failed us. Billionaires and corporations have bought the government and weaponized the economy. We are not here to argue about figureheads; we're here to dismantle the rigged structure that's been crushing the working class for decades. We don't take sides, we take action." Other boycotts since February 28 have targeted Amazon, Nestle, Walmart and General Mills. Schwarz, who has more than 436,000 Instagram followers, took to the platform on Memorial Day to post a video invigorating like-minded individuals on what the group has already accomplished and what remains on its agenda. The video, titled "Time to Shut Down Target," encourages people "to hold the lines." "We already know Target is being boycotted, but they're not doing anything," Schwarz said. "They've had their chance. So, what we are doing between June 3 and June 9, we will be calling for the permanent boycott of Target. Shop anywhere else but Target, and I literally mean that. "If you got to shop at Walmart or Amazon, places we boycott, do it. Target needs to be shut down; this corporation needs to feel the full power of the people. All thsoe other corporations out there manipulating us will feel the full power. Stand in solidarity, the only thing we have is each other." Black individuals have also boycotted Target for their DEI policies and claimed lack of financial investment in their communities. Reverend Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, initially led a Target boycott during the Lenten season coined "Target Fast" in response to the company's elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles and lack of investment in Black-owned banks, businesses and education. "It's been absolutely phenomenal," Bryant told Newsweek on May 29. "It is the largest boycott by black people since the Montgomery bus boycott in its effectiveness. Over 200,000 people signed the [Target Fast] petition. "[It's great] to see over 2,000 churches to fall in alignment. To see the stock drop, to see the valuation drop, to see the CEO salary chopped, to see their foot traffic has dropped says that we've got amazing momentum and the wind to our back, and I really believe that a real civil rights movement is on the horizon." Bryant said Target Fast was borne out of Target's rescinding of DEI policies and the "reneging of their covenant to of the George Floyd family." "When we look at the bottom line of Black people spending $12 million a day in Target, we really felt that it was a betrayal," he said. "They made a covenant after George Floyd's murder, with no prompting, no rally, no protest and no pressure under their own devices. The CEO, Brian [Cornell] said that George Floyd could have been one of his employees. "For them to backpedal in such a speedy way, we thought that was a betrayal that could not be overlooked." He and supporters are now electronically boycotting Dollar General, aiming to overwhelm their systems with calls and emails, along with a social media campaign. Bryant said the brand, even with its 20,500-plus stores in 48 states and $40.6 billion in sales, is "swimming under the radar." "They have three times the stores of Target and Walmart combined, at about 21,000 around the country," he said. "They are in primarily impoverished communities. They're in rural areas of 20,000 or less. We ask for electronic in those rural areas because regrettably, for a lot of communities, that's their only option for groceries. There's no Publix, there's no Giant. "They've taken up that land space and $40 billion in profit, and Dollar General has never given to a Black institution; never given to a Black college; never given to a Black organization. They have no relationship with the Black Farmers Association. You can't just take our dollars and take our dignity at the same time." What People Are Saying Target told Newsweek in May: "We are absolutely dedicated to fostering inclusivity for everyone—our team members, our guests and our supply partners. To do that, we're focusing on what we do best: providing the best retail experience for the more than 2,000 communities we're proud to serve." Walmart told Newsweek in May: "As one of the largest corporate taxpayers in the country, not only do we pay our fair share, we are an economic force multiplier strengthening communities nationwide through job creation, supplier growth, and over $1.7 billion in cash and in-kind donations last remain dedicated to earning the business of all Americans and giving our time and resources to causes that uplift and unite communities who rely on us every day." John Schwarz, in an Instagram post during the first Amazon boycott: "Every boycott, every blackout, every stand we take together is shaking their foundation. This moment isn't just about resistance, it's about reclaiming what's ours. Hold the line. Stay strong. The future is in our hands." What Happens Next Future efforts by The People's Union include an Independence Day boycott. It says more boycotts are being planned, with details to follow. Bryant said that boycott efforts across Black communities is an endeavor that escalated on Memorial Day and will at least for now continue until Labor Day, describing it as "the summer of our discontent." He is meeting with other community leaders to identify whether additional companies and brands should be boycotted as well. "We're we're hoping that before the summer ends that we'll have some resolve," he said.
Newsweek
01-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
List of Stores Being Boycotted in May
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A grassroots organization is gearing up for "round two" of national boycotts of Amazon and Walmart as part of a continued series of economic resistance to benefit the working class. The nonpartisan People's Union USA has pushed economic boycotts of some of the country's biggest companies since February, vowing to protect the American working class from "the greed and corruption that's kept us divided, distracted, and struggling for decades." Newsweek reached out to its founder, John Schwarz, for comment. Why It Matters President Donald Trump celebrated his first 100 days in office on Tuesday, but news out of his own government a day later showed a bleaker picture than he painted both on the campaign trail and in his first three months. The U.S. economy experienced its first contraction in three years in the first quarter of 2025, shrinking by 0.3 percent as unease surrounds an economy marred by sweeping tariffs on aluminum and steel, autos, and products in nearly every country. As fears of a recession metastasize, Trump's approval ratings have hit historic lows according to numerous polls—which he called "fake" during a speech Tuesday in Michigan. What To Know The "Economic Blackout Tour" is not meant to repudiate Trump, Elon Musk, Joe Biden or any other politician, The People's Union says on its website. It's unaffiliated with any political party or ideological persuasion. "We don't play party games," the website reads. "We don't care who's wearing the suit. What we care about is truth, the people, and the power we hold when we stand together. ... This isn't about personalities, it's about the system. "Both parties have failed us. Billionaires and corporations have bought the government and weaponized the economy. We are not here to argue about figureheads; we're here to dismantle the rigged structure that's been crushing the working class for decades. We don't take sides, we take action." President of the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO Samuel Epps during the People Over Profit: Interfaith Gathering and Call to Action at the U.S. Treasury Building on April 10, 2025 in Washington, DC. President of the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO Samuel Epps during the People Over Profit: Interfaith Gathering and Call to Action at the U.S. Treasury Building on April 10, 2025 in Washington, Economic Security Project Boycotts since February 28 have already targeted Amazon, Nestle, Walmart and General Mills. Amazon and Walmart are again drawing the attention of the group and its supporters, with the former being boycotted from May 6 to 12 and the latter from May 20 to 26. Schwarz, who has more than 425,000 followers on Instagram alone, said in a video released Tuesday that it's not about Trump and the government "tanking the economy" or "hurting the stock market." Rather, he said there are three main objectives: making corporations pay their fair share in taxes; a reasonable profit margin cap that dissuades price gouging of consumers; and "equality across the board." Their website does state that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives should not be rolled back or eliminated, calling such methods "backward, regressive and dangerous." "We are targeting individual companies who are the biggest offenders of those things," Schwarz said. "Amazon is coming up for round two, Walmart's coming up for round two. We've got Target coming up [in June], which we're going to be calling just to the end of Target—they've had their chance, they're not budging. "It's time to just put them out of business, and we're gonna escalate on a few companies after the Fourth of July. We'll get there. Right now, this is what we're doing: strategic economic resistance with a point and demands that we the people want to see met." During the first boycott of Walmart earlier this month, a company spokesperson told Newsweek that "serving communities is at the heart of Walmart's purpose." Walmart CEO Doug McMillon makes over $25 million per year. Schwarz said then that retail stores, online stores, pharmacies, private label brands, subscription services and clubs were all part of the boycott efforts. On Tuesday, after a report by Punchbowl indicating that Amazon was going to show the impact of tariffs on item costs on its website, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the company's move "a hostile and political act by Amazon." The company later walked back the claims, saying it was "never a consideration" for the main website and just under consideration for one part of its business. What People Are Saying Walmart to Newsweek earlier this month: "As one of the largest corporate taxpayers in the country, not only do we pay our fair share, we are an economic force multiplier strengthening communities nationwide through job creation, supplier growth, and over $1.7 billion in cash and in-kind donations last remain dedicated to earning the business of all Americans and giving our time and resources to causes that uplift and unite communities who rely on us every day." John Schwarz, in an Instagram post during the first Amazon boycott: "Every boycott, every blackout, every stand we take together is shaking their foundation. This moment isn't just about resistance, it's about reclaiming what's ours. Hold the line. Stay strong. The future is in our hands." What Happens Next Future boycott efforts by The People's Union include Target from June 3 to 9; McDonald's from June 24 to 30; and an Independence Day boycott. They say more boycotts are being planned, with details to follow.
