Haven't Heard of Black Project 2025?

“Fear is the greatest obstacle to learning. But fear is your best friend. Fear is like fire. If you learn to control it, you let it work for you. If you don't learn to control it, it'll destroy you and everything around you” — Mike Tyson

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Welcome Readers. It’s BFA Tuuuuuuueeeesssday! What if a superhero wore knitting needles instead of a cape? Meet Daisy, the AI "granny" taking down scammers in the UK. With her sweet, chatty persona, she keeps fraudsters on the line for ages, protecting real victims and serving justice one phone call at a time! (Speaking of heroes, have you seen the new Captain America trailer starring Anthony Mackie?)

In today’s email:

• From Triumph to Threat: Black-Owned Businesses Build the Future Amid Rising Hate Groups

• 25% of U.S. Car Owners Drowning in Debt: The Shocking Reality

• Don’t Miss the Poll at the End: We need your opinion!

Stay Updated: The Allies trailer— get ready for a gripping look into Steve’s final case as a federal agent. Don’t miss it!

MAIN STORY

Ohio’s Dark March and Black Project 2025: Two Movements Shaping America’s Future

A Neo-Nazi group marched in Columbus, Ohio, wearing red skull masks and carrying swastika flags, shouting racial and antisemitic slurs. Videos of the march drew widespread condemnation. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Columbus officials denounced the display, emphasizing that hate has no place in the state. City Attorney Zach Klein urged the group to leave, stating their hate isn't welcome.

This follows a similar incident in Michigan, highlighting a troubling trend of public hate displays. Columbus leaders reassured residents of their safety and commitment to tolerance, unity, and preventing harm.

Black Project 2025: A Vision for Economic Empowerment

Black Project 2025, created by 22-year-old entrepreneur Ania Holloway, aims to unify Black Americans around a shared economic agenda.

The initiative seeks to reinvest the Black community’s $1.8 trillion economic power into Black-owned businesses and infrastructure. By fostering collaboration among professionals and entrepreneurs, the project aspires to create generational wealth and transform the perception of Black Americans.

The initiative was born out of dissatisfaction with the 2024 election results, which left many Black Americans feeling unsupported. Ania’s idea, shared on TikTok, quickly gained traction, with over 25,000 members joining in just a few days. Despite challenges like server crashes due to high interest, the project has inspired hope for a self-sustaining Black economy.

Goals of Black Project 2025

• Redirect Black Dollars: Encourage exclusive support for Black-owned businesses, from grocery stores to law firms.

• Develop Infrastructure: Establish essential services like banks, medical facilities, and law offices within the community.

• Create Leadership: Implement roles like CEO, CFO, and CMO to oversee operations and ensure accountability.

To support these goals, Black Project 2025 has already raised over $78,000 and will continue to rely on monthly contributions from members to fund specific community projects. Progress will be meticulously tracked through bi-weekly virtual meetings, ensuring transparency and accountability. Additionally, a comprehensive directory of Black-owned businesses will be created to encourage members to prioritize community-based purchasing and further strengthen the economic foundation within the community.

While some skepticism exists due to trust issues within the Black community, Ania’s emphasis on transparency has been widely praised. No donations will be accepted until a clear plan of action is established, ensuring accountability and avoiding mismanagement.

Momentum and Community Response:

• Over 25,000 people have already joined the initiative, showcasing its broad appeal.

• Many view it as a turning point for economic empowerment and a means to redefine the Black community’s future.

• The project’s focus on collaboration has inspired professionals and entrepreneurs to contribute their expertise.

Black Project 2025 is more than an idea—it is a movement toward economic independence. By fostering unity and accountability, it promises to reshape the future of Black Americans for generations to come.

TRENDING

THE FLIP SIDE

1 in 4 Americans Stuck in Upside-Down Car Loans as Auto Debt Hits Record Highs

According to Edmunds, an increasing number of Americans are facing financial challenges with their car loans, finding themselves "upside-down" or owing more than their vehicles are worth. In the third quarter of 2024, nearly 1 in 4 car trade-ins were underwater, with an average gap of $6,458 between the loan balance and the car's value.

Key Statistics and Trends:

• High Debt Levels: Some borrowers owed over $10,000, with 7.5% experiencing gaps larger than $15,000.

• Root Cause: This trend stems from the car price surge in 2021-2022, driven by inventory shortages, which led buyers to take on larger loans.

• Market Impact: As car prices stabilized, trade-in values dropped, leaving many buyers stuck in negative equity.

The growing popularity of extended car loans up to seven years keeps borrowers in negative equity longer, complicating vehicle trade-ins. Ivan Drury of Edmunds advises buyers to plan ahead and consider total ownership costs. He warns that frequent trade-ins and long loans can cause financial strain. A cautious approach to financing and avoiding lengthy loans can help buyers avoid this issue.

How Much You Need for a Down Payment on a Car?

Putting some money down when buying a car can really help you out in the long run. It means your monthly payments will be lower, you’ll snag a better interest rate, and you’ll start off with positive equity, which is great since cars lose value quickly.

Experts recommend aiming for a 20% down payment on new cars and 10% on used ones, though most people today put down around 14% and 16%, respectively. The more you can put down, the less you’ll need to borrow, and that means you’ll pay less in interest over time. While you can get a car loan without a down payment, it usually means higher monthly payments and interest rates.

Some dealerships even let you use a credit card for the down payment, but be careful—credit card interest can be high, so this is only a good idea if you can pay it off quickly. In the end, putting more money down upfront can really pay off, helping you save money and avoid ending up with negative equity.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Leon Thomas

Leon Thomas's title track "Mutt" from his second album, MUTT, released on September 27, 2024, explores themes of vulnerability and self-doubt. Through the metaphor of a "mutt," he expresses struggles with trust and unworthiness while remaining open to new connections. The song balances patience and restlessness, with lyrics about risking heartbreak. The album features collaborations with artists like Masego, Wale, and Ty Dolla $ign, combining Thomas's emotional storytelling with rich production.