Jamal Bryant Spearheads Coalition of Black Churches in Announcing A National Economic Mobilization Protest: #HandsUPDon’tSpend!
Baltimore, MD. – Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, Pastor and Founder of Empowerment Temple Church and President of the Empowerment Movement, announced the launch of a new national economic mobilization effort titled #HandsUpDon’tSpend.
This strategic collaboration is anchored by faith-based denominations from across the country that have united to demonstrate the power of the African American dollar! The Empowerment Movement, a non-partisan organization, is supported by the AME Church, AME Zion, COGIC, Progressive, Bible Way Churches, Full Gospel, Gospel Music Workshop of America, CME, United Covenant Churches, Harvest Churches, Fellowship of International Word of Faith, Church of God, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the Congressional Black Caucus.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to take part in this economic mobilization effort which encourages supporters to refrain from spending during the most highly-anticipated shopping time of the year; Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, through Cyber Monday.
The #HandsUpDon’tSpend Campaign will kick off Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27 and conclude, Tuesday, December 2, 2014.
It will effect Retail establishments nationwide.
In a public announcement yesterday Dr. Jamal Bryant stated, “Police brutality has no place in modern law enforcement. However, American history continues to repeat itself. Exactly one year after the death of Trayvon Martin, Black America is once again pleading for the justice system to uphold the principles of justice and equality for countless victims including Michael Brown, Eric Garner and John Crawford.
“We have come to recognize that petitions and marching have not changed the landscape of our justice system,” Bryant announced. “Neither has it changed the alarming rate of police brutality cases against African Americans in America. Therefore, we have decided to shift the impact of our power to what the government understands – the almighty dollar.”
Dr. Bryant was heavily involved in the Trayvon Martin case as the families’ advocate and spiritual advisor. Today, he serves in the same capacity for the family of Michael Brown. In addition to prayer, protest and voting campaigns, Dr. Bryant has initiated the #HandsUpDon’tSpend Campaign. According to Bryant, the intended message to those who join in the movement is, “Flex your power by not shopping during the busiest shopping period of the year – #HandsUpDon’tSpend!” In support of the #HandsUpDon’tSpend campaign the Empowerment Movement will also be supporting the WalMart workers protest on Black Friday.
