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Preparation is a Key...Proaction is a Must
Black people it is time to decide what we want living in America and around the world to look like for us. It’s time to be Proactive! It is our sole responsibility to exercise solidarity, strategize, and execute action plans to accomplish what we seek.

Money Saver Challenge

10/28/2016

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Black Americans Spending Power $1.1 Trillion Annually


Black Americans spending power has reached $1.1 Trillion a year. However the majority of the $1.1 Trillion is being spent on depreciating personal possessions. Black people make up 13.1% of the total United States population, approximately 43 million people. In September 2013, Stacy M. Brown posted in the Washington Informer.com website titled, “Big Spenders, Small Investors:  Blacks Have Little to Show for Hard-Earned Dollars.”  In that article, Ms. Brown writes, “If Black America were counted as an independent country, its wealth would rank 11th in the world.  However, Black Americans continue to squander their vast spending power, relegating blacks to economic slavery instead of financial freedom".

Despite our collective spending power every other community seems to benefit from Blacks spending except the Black community.
  • Black owned businesses only get about 2% of Black Consumer Dollars. 
  • In its present state our spending power is the ability to generate money for corporations and other ethnic groups.
  • Adding insult to a travesty, although Blacks make up 13% of the U.S. population, small businesses owned by Blacks only constitute 7% in the nation.
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Significant Starting Point for Black People
​Take Control of our Personal Spending

The Money Saver Challenge (#1)

As it stands we as (Melanated people) squander our $1.1 Trillion purchasing power annually and have virtually become economic slaves. Corporations and other ethnic groups benefit from our spending at a rate of 98% while Black Businesses are only receiving 2% of Black consumer dollars. Yet, we claim we want our conditions to change here in America. The change has to start from with in! We must change our habits if we want to prosper as a people.

The Money Saver Challenge lays out a plan to help us take control of our personal spending. Step 1) Pick a start and end date Step 2) Get a notebook to create an Expense Journal Step 3) Track and total ALL daily transactions by identifying the necessities, identifying when you shop with black businesses, and identifying ALL WASTEFUL Spending Habits. Step 4) Review wasteful spending amounts to see how much money you are squandering away daily. Step 5) Reduce or Eliminate poor spending habits. Instead use the money you had normally wasted to start savings/investments, debt elimination, community building, and shopping black businesses.

The Money Saver Challenge IS A 9 MONTH activity broken up in (3) consecutive 90 day time periods. We want to literally give birth to a renewed mindset by implementing financial discipline. If we struggle with discipline add solidarity and be steadfast! This personal act of change will create a ripple effect across the nation. Successful execution of "The Money Saver Challenge" will also have a direct impact on the overall economy. If we discontinue/decrease our poor spending habits and start to conserve our dollars and save, we can slow down other communities financially benefiting and redirect the benefits towards the Black collective.

Debt, lack, and poverty are a enemy that we can overcome, but we must face it. Doubters will speak out and they will primarily be our very own brothers and sisters. A Black person is often the first person to tell another Black person about what "We" cannot do and "Why" we won't succeed as a people. No matter what they say, know this "We are in perfect position to change our conditions" Ignore the Naysayers and let's get to it straight away. We are Victorious!
​
Key definitions to keep in mind.
Conservation is defined 
  1. Prevention of waste, loss, or injury; preservation.
Necessity is defined
     1.  An imperative requirement or need for something. An unavoidable or inevitable need to do something; not by choice.

Habit is defined
        1.  Addiction; An acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary.

Discipline is defined
        1.  Activity, exercise, or regimen that develops or improves a skill.

Solidarity is defined
     1.  Union or fellowship arising from common responsibilities and interests between people, classes. ​

Example Necessities ​

Emergency Savings Fund, Outstanding Debt Payments, Rent/mortgage House, House Utilities, House Expenses repair/insurance/taxes, Household items Toiletries, Kitchen Supplies, Child Care Expenses, Healthy Food/Groceries, Stock a Pantry, Emergency Supplies, Car Usage, Car Insurance, Monthly Enjoyment Activities, Internet, Health Coverage, Alternative Medicine, Life Insurance, Fitness, Recovery, Business Expenses. When possible purchase with Black Businesses. ​

Black People Spend the Bulk of our $1.1 Trillion on...

Examples of Wasteful/Unnecessary Spending Items
  • Reduce television exposure
  • Stop watching TV (Television shapes your reality. Clear your mind of manipulative distractions)
  • Reduce cable channel subscriptions 
  • No Cable TV 
  • No new electronics unless broken, lost, stolen, or need for school, work, business, or first time buyer (Includes television, cell phones, laptops, speakers, and etc).
  • Reduce Utilities by using power saving methods
  • No lottery or scratch offs
  • No Casino
  • Reduce beer/liquor/wine consumption
  • Stop drinking All alcohol
  • Reduce cigarettes
  • Stop Smoking Cigarettes
  • Reduce tobacco products
  • Eliminate Tobacco Products
  • ​Reduce recreational drug use cocaine, marijuana, pill popping  etc.
  • Quit Using ALL Drugs
  • Reduce or Eliminate Drinking ALL carbonated beverages, juices from concentrate, Koolaid, chocolate milk, coffee etc.
  • Reduce or Eliminate Junk Food
  • Reduce fast food
  • Stop Eating Fast Food
  • ​Reduce restaurant dining
  • No Strip Clubs
  • No Expensive Eyewear
  • ​No Tricking your Money
  • Reduce or Eliminate Spoiling your children with expensive clothes, shoes, toys, and electronics
​

  • Reduce or Eliminate Holiday Shopping.
  • Give your mind a Break from all the Money, Clothes, and Hoes, Turn-Up Drug Abusing Music, Reduce or Eliminate Exposure to Trap, Gangster, Music, Ratchet Music etc,
  • No Hair Weave Sew-ins
  • ​No Expensive Hair-dos
  • No expensive designer clothes
  • No expensive designer bags
  • No Expensive Sneakers
  • No Expensive Women's Dress shoes/boots
  • No Expensive Jewelry (watches, necklaces, bracelets, rings, chains)
  • ​No Plastic Surgery
  • No expensive perfume/cologne
  • Reduce ALL Meat Purchases 
  • Reduce trips to the movies 
  • Reduce clubbing/partying. Spend quality time with family, loved ones, network, read, and use your imagination to be creative.
  • Reduce or No Shopping Trips
  • Reduce or No online retail shopping
  • Reduce ALL Miscellaneous spending​
  • Reduce Beauty Supply Shopping
  • Reduce Dollar Store, Family Dollar, Pharmacy, Liquor Store, Convenience Store, and Gas station Store  Shopping

The Strategy 

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Goals 
​Break poor purchasing habits. Give birth to a New Collective Conservative Spending Mindset. Replace language like "I can't afford to save" with I CAN create a budget! Prepare our minds for future Group Economics and position ourselves to forward as a people. Pass this along and Share this plan with your family, friends, coworkers, and colleagues, and ask them to do the same. 

Objectives 
​Start and Successfully Finish this Money Saver Challenge! We will Collectively Spend Conservatively for a 9 month period, reducing and or eliminating frivolous spending habits while generating savings. We will manage our Cash Flow. Where we once lacked discipline to spend wisely, we will add  solidarity with our discipline and be diligent with sticking to it. We will Shop with Black Businesses when at all possible!

Tips

Always, Always, Always Pay Yourself First. Pick a percentage from %5-30 and any time you receive money deduct the percentage you selected and take that money off the top and save it. For example if you picked %5 and you received $500 you would Pay Yourself $25. Do not keep the money you pay yourself with any other money, it should be separate from your bills, expenses, regular savings etc. You will be surprised how quickly this money will add up. There are many creative ways to create additional savings. For example you can save $1 a day, that's $365 for the year! We have included a couple Additional Savings Strategies we encourage you to incorporate.

Savings Strategies

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Additional Stats on Black Spending

Faith Communities Today, a nonprofit based in Hartford, Conn in a 2013 study revealed that Black churches have collected more than $420 billion in tithes and donations nationwide since 1980, an average of $252 million a week.

In 2009 Black America had $836 Billion in Total Earning Power, only $321 Million Spent on Books while $7.4 Billion Spent on Hair and Personal Care Products and Services.​

BLACK POWER

  • Studies predict if Black Consumers spent 10% more of their income in Black Businesses it would generate 1 Million jobs for Black Americans. Stating, after the government, Black Businesses are the biggest employer of Black Americans. 
The “Million Dollar Black Spending Power” campaign wants all Black American consumers to spend $20 a more a week at black-owned retailers. Estimating that $1 million will be spent in Black American communities if we all support this effort.
WE AS BLACK PEOPLE ARE CHALLENGING OURSELVES TO DO BETTER NOW!​
(Thank you for taking the time to read the blog. Leave a Comment Below)
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Operation Emergency Supplies List

10/26/2016

6 Comments

 
Preparedness is a key! There is no better time like the present. Do not wait for a disaster or emergency to strike. Start gathering Emergency Supplies for your family and you today. Gather 3-6 months’ worth of emergency supplies. Caution Do not overwhelm yourself attempting to purchase all items at once, but do get started. Suggestion Make purchasing emergency supplies a weekly project.  

​If you Stay Ready..You Don’t Have to Get Ready!

Alkaline Food/Beverage
Lentils, Lima Beans, Mung Beans, Navy Beans, Red Beans, Pumpkin Seed, Cashews, Chestnuts, Almonds, Amaranth Grain, Buckwheat, Chia Seed, Cumin, Thyme, Sesame Seed, Sunflower Seed, Wild Rice, Oats, Quinoa, Japonica Rice, Mineral Water, Banchi Tea, Dandelion Tea, Herbal Tea, Ginseng Tea, Green Tea, Ginger Tea, Molasses, Raw Honey, Rice Syrup, Cod Liver Oil, Flax Oil, Primrose Oil, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Hemp Seed Oil
Alkaline Jarred Vegetables
Green Beans, Carrots, Peas, Peppers, Beets, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Winter Squash, Jerusalem Artichokes, Homemade Pickles, Asparagus, Tomatoes, Onion, Potato, Zucchini

General Consumption Food/Beverage 
Water, Tea, Gatorade, Powerade, Powdered Milk
Nuts, Trail mix, Dry Cereal, Granola, Dried Fruit: Apricots, Raisins, Cranberry, Granola Bars, Protein/Power Bars, Peanut Butter, Fruit Preserves, Crackers, Wheat/Multigrain Crackers, Honey, Dark Chocolate, Mint, Gum
Dry*Navy Beans, Beans, Rice, Pasta, Cheese
Canned Soups, Canned Vegetables: carrots, green beans, peas, Canned Chili, Canned Beans, Pasta Sauce, (Low Sodium Canned Items)
Summer Sausage, Beef/Turkey Jerky, Canned Tuna, Canned Salmon, Canned Chicken 
Nutrional  Seasonings/Essentials 
Pepper, Cayenne, Turmeric, Cumin, Garlic, Onion, Bullion,
Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Liquid Chlorophyll, Colloidal Silver, Raw Honey, Echinacea Herb, Oregano Oil, Haberno, Peppers, Horseradish Root, Ginger, Garlic, Onion, Spirulina, Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds, Hemp Protein, Maca Powder, Camu Powder, Acai, Goji Berries, Apricot Kernels, Sea Salt. 
Nutritional Yeast, Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Brown Sugar
Vegetable/Fruit seeds for growing your own produce, Jarred Fruit, Powdered Vegetables/Super Food, Freeze Dried Vegetables/Collard Greens,

​Medicine/Herbs
Fully Stocked First-aid Kit, Multivitamins, Vitamin C, D etc, Herbs, Roots, Necessary Medications, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin.
Essential Oils: Tea tree, Peppermint, Wintergreen, Arnica, Lavender, Basil, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Thyme, Sage, Bergamot, Herbs: Cedar, Juniper, Pine, White Sage, Sage, Yarrow, Sweet Grass, Lemon Balm, Rosemary, Lavender, Sage Brush. Suggestion ​Make a smudge stick to freshen the air.
Baby Food: Instant Formula, 5-Small Bottles prepared with purified water, baby food jars, baby food dry cereal. Stock Baby Medication, diapers, soap
Pet Food: 4-6 large bags, buckets, or crates 

*TIPS* Vacuum Seal Food When Possible. Remember, you will need manual can openers. If you heat canned goods in the can remove labels and open cans before heating. You can use salt and sugar for preserving. *Special Note Seniors and those with Disabilities* Stock up on medications, ointments, oxygen, or any other specific necessity to be prepared in the case of an emergency.

​How to Cook if the Power is Out.
Use Methanol Gel/Chaffing Fuel Canisters, Aluminum Pans, Chaffer Stand Kit​, Paper cups/plates, Plastic Utensils, Plastic Storage Containers, Pot Belly Stove, Fireplace, Wood Burning Stove, (Wood), Aluminum Foil, Charcoal Grill, Generator.
Tea Candles, Lighters, Matches/Waterproof, Flint Striker(s), Batteries, Charcoal, Lighter Fluid.
Essentials/Tools
Flashlights, Fans, Solar-Powered or Hand Cranked Chargers for Laptops and Small Electronics, , Needles and Thread, Whistle, Duct Tape, Rope Bow Saw, Pliers, Adjustable Wrench, Utility Knife,  Small Fire Extinguisher


Use Safety and Precaution During an Emergency 

Communication/Activities: Landline Telephone, CB Radio, Small Television, Hand Written Contact List, Handheld Voice Recorder, Notebooks, Paper, Ink Pens, Pencils, Books, Playing Cards, Crossword Puzzles, Board Games, Portable CD/Music Player, Toys for Kids, Coloring Books, Sketch Pads, Painting Tools.

How to Stay Warm
Wool Blankets, Fur Blankets, Sleeping Bags, Thermos Underwear and Socks, Warm Coats, Hats, Gloves, Warm/Waterproof Boots, Layers of Clothes, Propane Battery Operated Push Heater, Tent. 

Sanitation
Toothbrushes, Toothpaste or Baking Soda, Deodorant, Plastic Pans to bathe in, Soap, Hand Sanitizer, Dish Soap, Diapers, Baby Wipes, Sanitary Napkins/Pads, Bleach, Ammonia, Clothing Detergent, Packs of New Underwear, 33-Gallon Heavy Duty Trash Bags, 32 Gallon Trash Cans with Secure Lids.  Purchase preassembled portable 5-Gallon bucket toilets. You can purchase a toilet seat that is made to fit a 5 Gallon Bucket. 

Make an Emergency Action Plan

Survival/Outdoors
Passports, Cash on Hand, Gold Pieces, Silver Pieces, Military Style Back Packs, Ponchos, Axes, Digging and Transfer Shovels, Tools, Spray Bottles, Compass, Tents, Sunglasses, Kerosene Lanterns, LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, Water Purification Tabs
Hunting/Protection
Shotgun, Shotgun Ammunition, Firearms, Firearm Ammunition, Bullet-Proof Vests, Tasers, Pepper Spray, Pocket Knives, Machetes, Walking Stick Knife, Air Quality Face Mask, Ear Plugs, Fishing Rod, Fishing Hooks.
TIPS
Take wilderness training courses. Take tactical training and self-defense training courses.
Train to use your firearm at the gun range. Take Urban Farming courses. During the preparation phase contact your local American Red Cross 1 1-800-733-2767 Step 1. Get a Kit 2. Make a plan 3. Be Informed. Inquire about Free Emergency Supply Kits available. Find out what the Emergency Response Plans are in your State. Make an emergency escape plan that includes two meeting places. Pick one right outside your home and one outside your neighborhood. ​Establish an emergency communications plan. Choose an out of town person to be your contact point for family members to call if you are separated. Make sure everyone has contact information. *Keep a Hardcopy of Resourceful Information!

Note from the Editor

THE MOVEMENT
There are individuals, groups, and grassroots organizations all over the United States working to bring awareness to the negative impacts of systematic oppression experienced by “Black Americans”  that are aiming to create change and build.  The movement may not be televised but it will be published and publicized.  Do not give into disparity and hopelessness! 

You may be asking yourself, why does it seem like “We” as a people are not doing anything to change our conditions?  Part of the issues are “The Media has Suppressed our Movements” in an effort to diminish unity and a collective mobilization for change. The media has historically used its medium as a way to push agendas on the masses and construct false realities as “the truth”.

​We have gained an ally in the formation of Social Media. We must take advantage and move to centralize information about community mobilization efforts. Let’s create “Movement Hubs” so when a person ask the question, What can I do to get involved? They will be able to access an online database, easily locate active community groups, join, or  fill a need by creating a new group.
BLACK COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
D"-Town Farm Food Service (313) 345-3663 detroitblackfoodsecurity.org  
3800 Puritan Ave. Detroit, MI 48238 info@dbcfsn.org  

Royally Melanated "We Write Books and Change the World One Day at a Time" www.royallymelanated.com (919) 593-9488 RMelanated@gmail.com

The Black Business School Dr. Boyce Watkins theblackbusinessschool.com

NewEraDetroit "We Are The Movement"  P.O. Box 17301 Livernois #401, Detroit, MI 48221
www.neweradetroit.com mail@neweradetroit.org (313) 466-4377
New Era Chicago www.newerachi.com info@newerachi.org Phone:(773) 357-6321

Oakland and The World Enterprises “Oakland Urban Farm to Give Ex-Prisoners a Fresh Start" (404) 542-1211 Elaine Brown  elainebrown@oaklandandtheworld.com

First Independence Bank  Community Development www.firstindependence.com
12200 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI 48204 (313) 256-8400 

Hip Hop is Green The First Plant Based Tour in History (National)  
www.hiphopisgreen.com hiphopisgreen@gmail.com

Wayne Law~Detroit Equity Lab Action Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights/Social Justice  
471 W. Palmer St. Detroit, MI 48202 (313)577-3620
keithcenter@wayne.edu

​BYP Black Youth Project 5733 S. University Ave., Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 940-1800 www.byp100.org
info@byp100.org 

Resources

10 Ways to Keep Warm www.melissaknorris.com
Pot-Bellied Cast Iron Stove www.meostore.com
Dried Navy Beans www.webstaurantstore.com
Manual Bean Grinder www.wayfair.com
Local Emergency Operation www.michigan.gov
Katadyn Micropur Purification Tablets (30 Pckg) www.REI.com
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter www.surivalfrog.com
LifeStraw Go 22 oz. Filter Water Bottle www.dickssportinggoods.com
Apricot Kernels www.anticancerinfo.co.uk
Respro City Anti-Pollution Mask chainreactioncycles.com
Gerber Machete 22-1/2in, Full Tang 31-002076 www.zoro.com
Razor-Back 27in Wood D-Handle Transfer Shovel 42008 www.homedepot.com
RazorBack Digging Shovel D-Handle Round Point www.homedepot.com
Tactical 3day Assault Rucksack 608442, Military Style Backpacks sportsmansguide.com
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater www.walmart,com
Kerosene Oil Lantern with Cooker www.lehmans.com
Lid 5-Gallon Bucket www.uline.com
5 Gallon Economy Bucket www.uline.com
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