What you need to know about #BlackoutDay2020

An economic protest is happening around the country today, July 7th, to show support for black lives and to put an end to institutional racism.

An economic protest is happening around the country today, July 7th, to show support for black lives and to put an end to institutional racism.

It is called #Blackoutday2020. A day when African Americans are refusing to spend money and if they do, only at black-owned businesses.

Calvin Martyr, an activist and Hip-Hip star, posted a video to social media several months ago following the death of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. Martyr wanted to express his feelings and start a campaign that quickly grabbed the attention of many. It led to #BlackoutDay2020 to show the power of the dollar.

It’s estimated, Black Americans spent more than $1 trillion dollars on consumer goods in 2018 alone. Blackout Day 2020 is a way for people to make an economic statement that racism has got to go.

Khaleefa Hakim Muhammad is the owner of Corn Coast Co. in Lincoln. He tells me an economic blackout will get the attention needed in a world revolved around money. He believes the movement will also get people to remember where they spend their money.

“It makes you really think, how many black owned businesses are out there and how many more we need” said Hakim. He believes the campaign is a step in the right direction to end racism.