WASHINGTON — On this Black Friday, some shoppers are being asked to make a political statement with their dollars.

On social media, it’s called the Buy Black Friday movement. Black people are being urged to spend their dollars at black-owned businesses and boycott others.

It’s an idea that has been around since the era of Malcolm X. But it has exploded on Twitter in recent days following a grand jury’s decision not to indict a white policeman for the shooting death of black teen, Michael Brown, in Ferguson, Missouri.

Salim Adolfo, vice chair of the National Black United Front, says it’s a way for people who may be uncomfortable protesting in the streets to make a statement.

“This is a safe way; this is a productive way,” Adolfo says.

Organizers are pleased that their call for a focus on black-owned businesses has taken off this year. Salim says it’s “perfect timing,” but adds that it’s unfortunate that it had to happen this way.

He says it’s imperative for the black business community to tap into the millions of dollars spent by consumers on the day after Thanksgiving. And he adds “it’s encouraging to see that people want to participate in any way they can.”

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