By Dominique Heath
Guest Columnist
While Project 2025 has been at the forefront of discussions, another movement has gained traction amongst many Black Americans on social media: Black Project 2025. This transformative movement is aiming to address concerns surrounding the potential implications of Project 2025, as proposed by The Heritage Foundation. With the possibility of Donald Trump’s second presidential term, Black Project 2025 addresses significant concerns within the Black community about policies that could potentially reverse progress in racial and economic equity and dismantle crucial support systems. Proposals such as the abolishment of the Department of Education, reduction in Medicaid funding, and the elimination of student loan relief are seen as especially devastating to Black communities with possible further reductions in federal housing support and programs like WIC, SNAP, TANF, and FEMA.
The Genesis of Black Project 2025
In an election that underscored a significant divide—where the majority of Black Americans supported Democratic Candidate Kamala Harris—concern grew about what a Trump term could intell. Through the many voices, Aniya Holloway, a 22-year-old media buyer and CEO of Kultremedia on TikTok, stood out and the seeds of Black Project 2025 were sown. Holloway called for fostering an ecosystem that champions economic self-sufficiency within the Black community by promoting Black-owned businesses and black culture. While the concept isn’t new, Holloway’s proposal was unique in emphasizing grassroots involvement through modern platforms like TikTok.
Holloway explained her idea as turning the community’s economic spending inward to increase the Black family’s median income and build community wealth. This vision is very reminiscent of the early 20th century African American Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, often referred to as “Black Wall Street” with the difference of 100 years of progress, civil right laws, and new age technology/ideas.
In her influential TikTok post, Holloway (@mediabuyingbestie) suggests, “Everything we use and consume on a daily basis, it is no longer purchased from these large corporations. It is purchased from one another.” She adds, “Maybe there is a silver lining in Kamala not being able to get into office because as a community we just become that much more tight-knit.”
Community Response
Within just six days of its initial proposal, Holloway’s idea went viral, amassing over a million views and generating hundreds of thousands of reposts along with numerous videos discussing the pros and cons of the concept. With 50,000 Black Americans and black business owners already signed up and over $70,000 raised via crowdfunding, this momentum inspired Holloway to take the next step: hiring app developers/staff, creating an online server to host the community and planning virtual meetings.
Creatives like @equlibrium.essence are fervently spreading the word. “The way im promoting this group you would think it’s my job! BLACK PROJECT 2025 is a go!!! LETS GOOOOOOO,” she posted, highlighting the initiative’s potential benefits. She emphasized that everyone has a role to play: “They got judges in there, attorneys, we got lawyers, we got doctors, people who like to roller skate, whatever you think your talent is, you can contribute to the group.”
The concept of mutual support and reliance within the community is gaining tremendous enthusiasm. Whether by promoting businesses or providing professional services, individuals are finding innovative ways to contribute to the collective economic advancement.
TikToker @clayreels also advocates for collaborative efforts to dismantle systems of oppression and promote community welfare. He stated, “I have my critiques, but no plan is a bad plan within reason. I feel like we can work out the kinks if we work together and actually listen to each other.” He further urged the community to appreciate and support Black women who have been at the forefront of the movement.
The movement’s collaborative spirit resonates deeply with the community. By leveraging diverse skills and experiences, Black Project 2025 stands to devise comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted challenges faced by Black Americans. Voices within the community highlight the importance of unity and proactive participation to drive sustainable change.
