Consumers are being asked to speak with their wallets − or lack of spending – as a way to protest the retreat from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives by some companies, and President Donald Trump’s actions to eliminate federal DEI programs since taking office. Organizers and influencers are calling on consumers to boycott specific retailers and to refrain from spending any money at all on February 28, 2025 or direct any spending on that day to small, local businesses. Other groups suggest that a retailer boycott would harm small suppliers more than large retailers and urge people to apply more thought to what they purchase at a brand level and focus instead on the economic blackout 2/28 or directing more spending to retailers that have kept their DEI commitments. However you decide to use the power of your purse this month, please support local, small and minority-owned businesses.
Take Action
- Always support small, local and minority-owned businesses
- Consider boycotting companies who have abandoned their DEI initiatives to send a message.
- Consider participating in the economic blackout on 2/28, by spending no money.
Learn More
- USA Today | Consumers are boycotting major retailers. Here’s what they plan for ‘blackout’ on Feb. 28
- Black Enterprise | Where Not To Spend Your Money: NAACP Drops Guide Detailing Companies That Ditched DEI
- Newsweek.com | Nationwide Economic Blackout on February 28: List of Stores Being Targeted
- Newsweek.com | Nationwide Economic Blackout on February 28: What to Know About Boycott
- Yahoo News | A growing list of the companies who have either discontinued or committed to DEI strategies
- Newsweek.com | List of US Companies That Are Continuing With DEI Policies
- Build Remote | Report: 46 Companies Sticking With DEI [2025]
