The Facebook group #BlackoutDay2020 was created May 8, but since Floyd’s death on May 25, the private group has rapidly grown to more than 720,000 members as people search for peaceable ways to spark change.

And it continues to gain tens of thousands of new members each day.The movement focuses on July 7, 2020, a day when supporters have committed to only spending money at black-owned businesses; this includes banks, grocery stores, gas stations, hair salons and all forms of commerce.

“We’re going to not spend our dollars in the economy,” Martyr says in a video explaining his mission. “….if we unite enough people for one day to not spend their dollars, it will make an impact in the economy, and they will take notice.”

…Martyr claims black consumers account for an estimated $1.2 trillion in economic spending, or what his supporters call economic power….

…”If you must spend a dollar,” Martyr adds, “spend it with a black business only. We’re building a tool for you to be able to shop anywhere in the country with black businesses.”