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Here’s what you need to know about ‘Blackout Day 2020’

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There is a call to action for the black community and allies to not spend money Tuesday for Blackout Day 2020. If it must be spent, people are encouraged to buy only from black-owned businesses.

The economic protest is part of the larger push to dismantle institutional racist policies and practices.

Owner of the uptown Charlotte staple Mert’s Heart and Soul James Bazzelle said money talks and he thinks it’s a great idea because it’s harder for minority-owned businesses to get started.

“It needs to be done more often,” he said.

Student activist Righteous Keitt had a similar message.

During the recent protests, the 19-year-old went around to black-owned businesses hanging signs so the community knew who they were.

He said whether it’s spending dollars or even just spreading the word, Tuesday’s call to action needs to continue beyond one day.

“It is important for black people in our community to actively support those group actively support those businesses, because where else should we be spending our money?” he said. “We’re supposed to be be trying to promote our own community and the more we spend our dollar and dime in our community and own stores the further we can go as a group.”

Black-owned business profiles:

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