Do Economic Boycotts Work? History, Strategy, and the Real Impact of Collective Action
The Color Between The Lines with Esther Dillard
Do economic boycotts actually work or are they just symbolic gestures?
In this companion episode of The Color Between the Lines, journalist and educator Esther Dillard examines how economic protest has shaped real change in American history from Elizabeth Jennings 1854 streetcar case to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and into present-day movements.
Drawing on historical precedent and modern examples including commentary from Jamal Bryant on the Target boycott this episode breaks down when and why economic pressure succeeds, and why visibility alone is never enough.
In this episode, youll learn:The historical blueprint behind successful economic boycotts
Why sustained, organized action matters more than viral moments
How education turns outrage into strategy
The economic conditions institutions actually respond to
This episode is a companion reflection to ERASED: The Untold American Story, which explores overlooked Black history and its relevance today.
For educators, organizers, and lifelong learners, this episode offers historical grounding and practical insight into how collective action creates measurable impact.
00:00 Do economic boycotts actually work?
00:32 When economic protest creates measurable impact
00:48 Pastor Jamal Bryant on the Target boycott and stock impact
01:22 Elizabeth Jennings and the economic roots of civil rights
01:42 Why public transportation was an economic pressure point
02:16 Black buying power and why economic decisions matter
02:47 The Montgomery Bus Boycott as an economic strategy
03:19 Why visibility alone doesnt force change
03:52 Sustained pressure vs. viral moments
04:25 How discipline and organization created integration
04:59 Why consistency, not emotion, drives movements
05:37 What makes economic pressure effective
06:15 How boycotts disrupt corporate confidence and markets
06:32 The psychological power of collective participation
07:08 Why education sustains long-term protest
07:49 How historical context builds endurance
08:06 The conditions under which boycotts succeed
08:44 Connecting Elizabeth Jennings to modern movements
08:59 Invitation to explore the ERASED series