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, you’ll 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 doesn’t 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