The "Feb. 28 Economic Blackout": Understanding the Movement and Its Leader

The Origins of the Movement: A Call to Economic Resistance

The "Feb. 28 Economic Blackout" is a grassroots movement led by John Schwarz, a 57-year-old Chicago resident and founder of the People’s Union USA. Schwarz, a meditation teacher and father of three, conceived the idea of an economic blackout while recording a series of social media videos where he portrayed himself as a common man who is also the president of the United States. In these videos, Schwarz advocating for unity and economic justice, ultimately leading him to propose a nationwide boycott. The movement calls for Americans to refrain from spending money at major retailers for 24 hours, urging them to avoid purchasing from corporations like Amazon, McDonald’s, and Walmart. Schwarz’s message, amplified through punchy Instagram and TikTok posts, aims to challenge corporate greed and political corruption, which he believes have rigged the system against ordinary Americans.

The Visionary Behind the Movement: John Schwarz’s Journey

Schwarz’s journey began in the subsidized housing projects of Queens, New York, where he grew up surrounded by a diverse community. This upbringing shaped his belief in unity across racial and socioeconomic divides. Drawing inspiration from figures like Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King Jr., and Harvey Milk, Schwarz sees himself as a champion for the people. For over a decade, he used social media to speak out against systemic injustices, but he felt constrained in his approach until the idea of the economic blackout emerged. Schwarz describes the movement as a moment he has been preparing for his entire life, driven by a desire to reunify Americans in a deeply divided time. He believes that by leveraging their collective purchasing power, citizens can send a powerful message to corporations and politicians.

The People’s Union USA: A Grassroots Movement for Change

The People’s Union USA, founded by Schwarz in February 2023, is still in its early stages of development. As a grassroots organization, it is working to establish its structure and register as a legal entity. To cover operational costs, Schwarz has turned to crowdfunding, setting up a GoFundMe page with a $100,000 goal. As of late February, the campaign had already raised over $90,000, demonstrating the growing support for the movement. Schwarz envisions the organization as a platform for economic resistance, where Americans can unite to challenge the corporations and politicians who he believes prioritise profits over people. The movement’s core message is one of empowerment: by withholding their spending, consumers can reclaim their economic power and demand change.

The Goals of the Movement: From Boycotts to Systemic Change

The "Feb. 28 Economic Blackout" is not just a one-day event but the beginning of a broader strategy to create systemic change. Schwarz and the People’s Union are organizing additional boycotts on March 28, targeting specific corporations like Walmart, Amazon, Nestle, and General Mills. The long-term goals of the movement include abolishing federal income taxes for average Americans and imposing caps on corporate profits. Schwarz argues that these reforms can be achieved by requiring large corporations to pay their fair share of taxes and by holding them accountable for their business practices. He also criticises policies like the "gold card visa" program, which he believes further entrenches inequality by favouring the wealthy. By challenging corporations and politicians, Schwarz hopes to free Americans from a financial system that perpetuates debt and struggle.

The Spread of the Movement: From Local to Global Support

While the "Feb. 28 Economic Blackout" began as a U.S.-based initiative, its message has resonated internationally. Schwarz has received messages of support from as far away as Australia and Spain, with people from around the world expressing solidarity. Encouraged by this response, Schwarz has called on global supporters to participate by refraining from purchases in their own countries. This international dimension highlights the universal appeal of the movement’s core message: that ordinary people, when united, can challenge the power of corporations and demand a fairer system. The movement also encourages participants to support local businesses and avoid using credit or debit cards during the boycott, emphasizing the importance of community and financial independence.

The Bigger Picture: A Movement for Economic Justice and Unity

The "Feb. 28 Economic Blackout" is more than just a protest—it is a call to action rooted in a vision of economic justice and unity. Schwarz and the People’s Union believe that by harnessing their collective power as consumers, Americans can force corporations and politicians to listen and act. While the movement does not promise immediate change, it seeks to inspire a broader conversation about the role of corporate power in society and the need for systemic reform. Schwarz’s ultimate goal is to create a world where ordinary people are no longer trapped in cycles of debt and financial struggle, but instead have the freedom to thrive. Whether through boycotts, unionization, or policy change, the People’s Union is determined to challenge the status quo and fight for a more equitable future.