February 28th, 2025 is the National Economic Blackout Day! Consumers across the country regardless of race, gender, identity, religion, and ability are NOT spending money. This act of SOLIDARITY is a protest against corporate greed and the efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at the federal level. The one-day action was initially organized by The People’s Union, which is non-affiliated to political parties and aims to restore “fairness, economic justice and real systemic change.”

Several organizations and leaders are supporting this boycott effort. Urban Financial Services Coalition, is a non-partisan organization, is leveraging this day to roll out it’s 2025 Economic Development Plan, which has 6 action items and is tied to our mission.

1. Participate in the Economic Blackout Day on February 28th by not doing an discretionary spending; however, use the opportunity to invest in yourself and invest in the communities we serve.

2. Renew your membership in Urban Financial Services Coalition (https://www.ufscnet.org)

3. Donate to a historically black college/university. They are being dangerously impacted by recent federal grant cuts. If you do not have a preferred HBCU, donate to the United Negro College Fund (https://uncf.org) and/or the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (https://www.tmcf.org)

4. Take a professional development workshop.

• We are offering a free virtual workshop at 12 noon EST, Friday, February 28, “Transformative Journey in Leadership Development” (https://TransformingLeaders.eventbrite.com). Use promo code L2LRVA for a free ticket.
• Register for the View from the Top Series “The 15-Minute Financial Plan” with Jasper Smith, Mr. Build Wealth on March 26th https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-15-minute-financial-plan-tickets-1246778621419?

5. Call a financial advisor and schedule an appointment for a financial check-up. If you do not have an advisor, call your bank or financial institution and ask for one. A financial check up is FREE and can help you achieve your financial goals. 

6. Donate to a non-profit organization that serves marginalized or vulnerable individuals. Due the recent freeze in federal grant funding, several organizations are impacted that provide opportunities to people who otherwise would not have them or provide critical human services to people who need them most. We ask you to consider donating to our Emerging Leaders Mark I Program designed to provide scholarships and leadership training to youth from diverse, underserved communities. https://www.mightycause.com/organization/Urban-Financial-Services-Coalition-Foundation