(TriceEdneyWire.com) - Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, Pastor and Founder of Empowerment Temple Church and President of the Empowerment Movement, based in Baltimore, has announced the launch of a new national economic mobilization effort titled #HandsUpDon'tSpend.
According to a news release, "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."
According to Bryant, tens of thousands of people are expected to participate in the 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 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!", Bryant says.
"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," Bryant said. "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."
Bryant was heavily involved in the Trayvon Martin case as the families' advocate and spiritual advisor, the release states, adding that he serves in the same capacity for the family of Michael Brown. In support of the #HandsUpDon'tSpend campaign the Empowerment Movement will also support the WalMart workers protest on Black Friday.