The “Real Black Friday—No Christmas Shopping Campaign” took to the streets last Friday with the Harriett Tubman–Fannie Lou Hamer Collective of Black women in Brooklyn. The Sistas’ collective, which comprise several prominent organizations in NYC, marched forward into battle at the Atlantic Terminal Mall for “Justice or Else!” This Christmas, a national call for an “economic Black-out” is being implemented by any means necessary, say supporters.

The ramifications of the Million Man March 20th Anniversary mandate for “Justice or Else” are being felt on the streets locally and nationally, from the grassroots, the college campuses and the shopping malls. During this crucial time of intensified human rights attacks on Black communities, the demand for “Justice or Else” is taking on an increasingly proactive character.

HTFLHC spokesperson, Priscilla Adabo proclaimed, “We are the ‘or else!’ All of us must send a concrete and definitive message to those who relentlessly oppress us with impunity. The recent spate of police murders and brutality that have garnered national attention is just a fraction of what has been going on for generations. Our money is a weapon that we must wield to exact justice on a national level. No justice, no money!”

Bargain hunters at the Atlantic Terminal Mall were struck by the bodacious throng of young women, as the women engaged them in discussions on the street on the issues facing the Black community and our economic resistance. Many people understood the demand and ask for the materials to give to friends, family, churches and co-workers.

“The Harriett Tubman–Fannie Lou Hamer Collective serves as a resource mechanism to foster the social, political, cultural and intellectual development of African Sistas throughout our communities,” said Adabo. “Our objective is political-economic empowerment, and creating leaders. We remain cognizant of and loyal to the principles of unity, self-determination, collective work, shared responsibility, cooperative economics, creativity, purpose and faith.”

The Black collective women was founded by Viola Plummer, chairperson the December 12th Movement more than 20 years ago. Plummer stated, “We have always struggled to move forward toward freedom and self-determination. We have many weapons: our unity, our spirit, our culture and our money. Keep your money in your pocket this Christmas. Let’s make an impact on their profit margin. That is a language they will definitely understand. This Christmas we will not shop!”

For more information, call 718-398-1766.