An “economic blackout” promoted on social media is underway but with no clear indication of how many people took part or whether retail companies and restaurants will notice any effect from the grassroots protest.

Feb. 28, there was a call for a 24-hour "economic blackout" to protest the alleged malign influence of billionaires, big corporations and both major political parties on the lives of working Americans.

Many consumers nationwide plan to participate in a 24-hour economic blackout on Friday, which started after midnight, to protest what they call corporate greed, companies that have rolled back their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and President Donald Trump's efforts to eliminate federal DEI programs since taking office.

People’s Union USA says the blackout comes in response to the fact that “corporations and banks only care about their bottom line.”

Shoppers across the country are taking part in an “Economic Blackout”, avoiding major retail stores in protest of the anti-DEI movement. This grassroots protest comes as many corporations have scaled back their efforts.

The blackout was organized by The People’s Union USA and is the movement’s first action, described as “a symbolic start to economic resistance, a day where we show corporations and politicians that we control the economy,” per the group’s website.

Consumers in New York and across the country are being encouraged to join a 24-hour economic boycott on Friday, one of several protests organized by activists against companies rolling back diversity,

The blackout urges customers not to spend any money Feb. 28, as a form of resistance against major corporations rolling back their DEI policies.

Tired of corporate greed, The People's Union asks consumers to not spend money on Friday to help take back a 'corrupt economic system.'