#HandsUpDontSpend: Ferguson demonstrators boycott Black Friday

By Fusion Staff  |  November 28, 2014 | 3:42pm
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Protesters demonstrated at St. Louis-area retail stores on one of the busiest shopping days of the year, Black Friday, in the aftermath of a grand jury’s decision not to indict Darren Wilson for the fatal shooting unarmed teenager Michael Brown.

Traditionally, Black Friday protests have been used as a platform to advocate for worker’s rights.

The demonstrations began late Thursday night and continued into Friday, according to the Associated Press. Bloomberg News reported that demonstrators showed up at about six shopping malls and big box stores. There were confrontations between police and protesters at several locations, but no arrests have been reported.

Organizers and boycotters said disrupting holiday shopping would help spread their message. On social media, some used the hashtag #HandsUpDontSpend to drum up support.

These photos were taken inside the Wal Mart in St. Charles, Mo., approximately 15 miles west of Ferguson:

Protesters visited Wal Mart locations in Manchester and Bridgeton, as well as Target stores and a major shopping mall.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152496189018359

There was little activity on Thursday in Ferguson, according to media reports, though there were protests elsewhere in the country. Demonstrators in New York City attempted to interrupt the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, which resulted in six arrests.

Jordan Fabian is Fusion’s politics editor, writing about campaigns, Congress, immigration, and more. When he’s not working, you can find him at the ice rink or at home with his wife, Melissa.

 
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