Frustrated by politics? Some grassroots organizers want consumers in South Carolina and across the nation to send a stark message Friday by refraining from buying goods from major retailers for 24 hours. They call it an “economic blackout.”
“For decades, they have told us that we are powerless, that we have no control, and that this system is too big, too strong, too unshakable,” People’s Union USA leader John Schwartz said in a recent video. “We are going to remind them who has the power. For one day, we turn it off for one day. We shut it down for one day.”
The nationwide protest comes amid rising prices on everything from gas to groceries — notably eggs. Some reportedly are also joining the cause to hurt retailers who dropped its diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
“Boycotts are taking hold. Protests are on the rise. Courts are fighting back,” former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich Monday on Facebook. “The Trump-Musk-Vance regime’s popularity is plunging and DOGE is losing its credibility. In these dark times, it’s important to recognize that people are fighting back. Join them.”
Protests are expected across the country, including in South Carolina, as several activists and business leaders speak of the nationwide blackout.
“We all have power, and this is one important way to wield it,” said Jordan Amaker, director of advocacy and communications for Lowcountry Local First. Amaker also encourages people to spend their money in ways that support what they want their community to look like every day — not just during the big box blackout.
If one must shop for essentials such as food, medicine or emergency supplies, they’re encouraged to shop small only. According to Columbia’s Small Business Administration, nearly 97% of all businesses in South Carolina are small businesses.
In other news:
CP NEWS: Charleston demolishes long-abandoned Ryan’s in West Ashley. Demolition of the long-abandoned Ryan’s Steakhouse on St. Andrews Boulevard in West Ashley started Monday through a public-private partnership involving the city of Charleston and Gramling Brothers, a Charleston-based developer.
13 Charleston Co. schools on waitlist for multipurpose room. More than a dozen schools are standing by on multipurpose room facilities, prompting a push from students and educators who continue to workshop alternative options for day-to-day activities and athletics.
New bill aims to prioritize Charleston infrastructure. The influx of people moving to Charleston has current residents worried over the city keeping up with its infrastructure. A new House bill is aimed to prioritize infrastructure over new development.
FOOD: 6 Charleston eateries to be featured on ‘America’s Best Restaurants’. Six of the Lowcountry’s locally owned eateries are set to be featured on a traveling social media show that spotlights the best restaurants across America.
Rural communities get connected with Lowcountry digital program expansion. The Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition, managed by the Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative, partnered with Palmetto Goodwill to launch a pilot trial for their Digital Navigator program in August of 2025. The program uses people across rural areas in the Tri-County such as Ravenel, Hollywood, Cross and St. George.
Lowcountry actor has new Charleston-based gig. Charleston actor and former City Paper arts editor Michael Smallwood is launching a new narrative podcast he’s directing called Istoria on all major streaming platforms. The first episode, “The Ship,” which Smallwood wrote, was released Feb. 16 and the second episode aired Feb. 23.
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