Thanksgiving Protests: Why Some People Are Skipping Black Friday Sales In 2025

“History demonstrates that withdrawing our funds yields more impact than speeches, marches, or protests ever could,” remarks content creator Ashley B in an Instagram clip. She is part of an expanding coalition comprising community organizers, clergy, and political advocacy groups advocating for a widespread boycott as the holiday shopping season approaches, aiming to emphasize Black political influence and exert economic pressure on corporations. While the specific dates differ among groups, they collectively seek a consumer shutdown on the peak shopping days: Black Friday, November 28, and Cyber Monday, December 1. Last year, both occasions amassed approximately $30.8 billion in revenue, according to Adobe. RELATED: Black Boycotts: Can They Facilitate Change? Black Voters Matter, a nonprofit dedicated to voting rights, encourages consumers to refrain from shopping at Target, Home Depot, and Amazon. Co-founder Latosha Brown states that the “We Ain’t Buying It” campaign targets these retailers for their alignment with policies detrimental to their communities. Other organizations, like The People’s Union USA, urge a broader boycott, encompassing all national chains and prominent online retailers while advocating for support of local businesses.