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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/black-friday-boycott-protesters-against-michael-brown-verdict-pledge-to-keep-their-wallets-closed-during-annual-retail-event-9883151.html
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| Black Friday Boycott: Protesters against Michael Brown verdict pledge to keep wallets closed during annual retail event | |
| (about 11 hours later) | |
| As demonstrations against a grand jury decision not to indict a white police officer in the killing of an unarmed black teenager continue into their second day in Ferguson, a group of protesters is taking a different tack – by urging consumers to boycott upcoming Black Friday sales. | As demonstrations against a grand jury decision not to indict a white police officer in the killing of an unarmed black teenager continue into their second day in Ferguson, a group of protesters is taking a different tack – by urging consumers to boycott upcoming Black Friday sales. |
| In a campaign spanning over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, users are pledging not to go shopping on Black Friday, and are urging others to do the same after a grand jury announced last night that police officer Darren Wilson would not face charges for shooting Michael Brown. | In a campaign spanning over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, users are pledging not to go shopping on Black Friday, and are urging others to do the same after a grand jury announced last night that police officer Darren Wilson would not face charges for shooting Michael Brown. |
| Falling on the day after Thanksgiving, the annual shopping day sees retailers slash prices in an attempt to lure Christmas shoppers. | Falling on the day after Thanksgiving, the annual shopping day sees retailers slash prices in an attempt to lure Christmas shoppers. |
| Last year, a record 247 million shoppers spent an average of $423 (£270), a total of $59.1 billion (£38 billion), over Black Friday weekend. | Last year, a record 247 million shoppers spent an average of $423 (£270), a total of $59.1 billion (£38 billion), over Black Friday weekend. |
| The protesters believe justice was not served for Brown and see his case is a symptom of a larger issue in the US surrounding race. They argue that officials will pay attention if the public can unsettle the economy with a boycott. | The protesters believe justice was not served for Brown and see his case is a symptom of a larger issue in the US surrounding race. They argue that officials will pay attention if the public can unsettle the economy with a boycott. |
| Two hashtags, #BoycottBlackFriday and #BlackoutBlackFriday are being used to promote the campaign, and gained traction on social media last night and this morning. | Two hashtags, #BoycottBlackFriday and #BlackoutBlackFriday are being used to promote the campaign, and gained traction on social media last night and this morning. |
| Goodnight. #BlackoutFriday #BLACKOUTBLACKFRIDAY pic.twitter.com/K4NxW01RRD | Goodnight. #BlackoutFriday #BLACKOUTBLACKFRIDAY pic.twitter.com/K4NxW01RRD |
| Use your voice in #peacefulprotest #BlackLivesMatter #BlackoutFriday #CancelBlackFriday #policebrutality pic.twitter.com/pMuqgpROJx | Use your voice in #peacefulprotest #BlackLivesMatter #BlackoutFriday #CancelBlackFriday #policebrutality pic.twitter.com/pMuqgpROJx |
| Speak the language that our government understands: $$$ #JusticeForMikeBrown #BoycottBlackFriday | Speak the language that our government understands: $$$ #JusticeForMikeBrown #BoycottBlackFriday |
| Seriously... We can walk the streets all night.. If we don't actually take monetary action, nothing will change. #BLACKOUTBLACKFRIDAY | Seriously... We can walk the streets all night.. If we don't actually take monetary action, nothing will change. #BLACKOUTBLACKFRIDAY |
| STAND up against police brutality with @UnitedBlackout on #BlackoutBlackFriday http://t.co/H8i05ATZxA & RETWEET this! pic.twitter.com/BZprkwpCJM | STAND up against police brutality with @UnitedBlackout on #BlackoutBlackFriday http://t.co/H8i05ATZxA & RETWEET this! pic.twitter.com/BZprkwpCJM |
| Meanwhile in Ferguson, around 300 people marched from a park to the court where the verdict was given yesterday, chanting: “You didn't indict. We shall fight.” | Meanwhile in Ferguson, around 300 people marched from a park to the court where the verdict was given yesterday, chanting: “You didn't indict. We shall fight.” |
| The action was one of several protests in the St Louis area today, after tensions last night blew up into violent protests where at least 61 people were arrested. | The action was one of several protests in the St Louis area today, after tensions last night blew up into violent protests where at least 61 people were arrested. |
| Thousands of people rallied - mostly peacefully - in other US cities on Monday night. | Thousands of people rallied - mostly peacefully - in other US cities on Monday night. |
| Brown's family released a statement saying they were “profoundly disappointed” but asked that the public “channel your frustration in ways that will make a positive change”. | Brown's family released a statement saying they were “profoundly disappointed” but asked that the public “channel your frustration in ways that will make a positive change”. |
| Additional reporting by PA | Additional reporting by PA |