Expanding the ONJU Brand — Ohnahji U Syllabus for November 4, 2023
🎼 “Cause I’m movin’ on up, you’re movin’ on out / Movin’ on up, nothin’ can stop me / Movin’ on up, you’re movin’ on out / Time to break free, nothin’ can stop me” 🎵
Heeeyyyyy, ONJU fam! Y’all know me — Lena, reppin’ Ohnahji U with my passion for Marketing. When our fam linked up for their weekly Saturday session, ya girl was glued to the spaces. We got into everything from branding opportunities to crypto market trends to words about that triflin’ SBF! I gotchu on everything they unpacked; come to the study hall and get this tea! 🎓
This space was live on 11/04/23 at 10 am PST, hosted by the visionary behind Ohnahji U, Ohnahji B, and cohosted by ONJU Deans EyeSeeThru & BOSS2.0. Big news abounds this week in the intersection of Black art and blockchain technology!
THE OHNAHJI U MERCH YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR!
In the titular announcement, Ohnahji B and Boss announced the launch of the new Ohnahji University Campus Shop, featuring two limited edition hoodies and two new t-shirt designs to allow Ohnahji holders to show their pride for The U!
The brand-new shop opens up opportunities for ONJU to continue building the Ohnahji Universe through merchandising and e-commerce while rewarding holders with exclusive discounts.
The original designs were created by Ohnahji B, who discussed his creative process for the new designs, including the stacked Ohnahji logo and the edgy Kanji design. He shared his passion for incorporating meaning into the merch and experimenting with new design concepts using Eastern languages.
“I’ve been doing graphic design for a hot minute, before this Web3 journey, and when I’m designing, there’s a lot of intention going into one design. There’s a reason for all the space, there’s a reason for all the colors, there’s a reason for all the shades, there’s a reason for pretty much everything I’ve done. I don’t know any Japanese off top, but it’s a half accident that I used a Japanese word, that means same, or equal. Like, that was just a perfect alignment. But it’s been a lot of fun and I can’t wait for you guys to see what else we’re cooking up.”
🎓 ➡️ CHECK OUT THE OHNAHJI UNIVERSITY CAMPUS SHOP!!! ⬅️ 🎓
BUCKLE UP, THE BULLS ARE RUNNING
Ohnahji B expressed optimism about the overall sentiment shifting in crypto markets, noticing patterns similar to previous bull runs. “I’m seeing a lot of people repeating the same things that I saw before the bull runs started, but the signs are still pointing to the exponential growth,” he explained.
That growth may continue into the new year, especially with the upcoming Bitcoin halving expected to impact markets in late April 2024. B noted increased public interest in Ohnahji and engagement in his inbox around topics like NFTs and AI, showing signs that the market may be shifting for the better.
Keep your ear to the streets though; the volatility in the market isn’t over. Even as the market trends upward, people may take profits (that means you should too!), leading to dips, or an enticing bit of crypto news may cause a pump, so stay cautious and remember to diversify your crypto and NFT holdings to allow for any bumps that may happen along the way.
FTX FOUNDER FRIED IN FRAUD TRIAL
Boss summarized the fraud trial of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, who is currently on trial on counts related to misuse of customer funds. A highlight from the 6-week hearing has been how thorough US Attorney Danielle Sassoon has been in holding SBF accountable for much of his dealings in FTX and Alameda Research.
A few standout moments from the latest week of the trial:
- The prosecution provided evidence contradicting SBF’s claims that he was uninvolved with Alameda Research operations despite owning 90% of the company. This included proof he spent over $15 million on private jets in 2022, which, when asked about how much he used private jets for transportation, SBF answered, “I can’t recall.”
- SBF’s defense tried to argue that due to the size of FTX, he did not fully grasp the level of involvement needed from him as founder. The jury did not accept this, deliberating just 6 hours before a full guilty verdict.
- Sam Bankman-Fried was found guilty on all seven counts of fraud for misusing FTX customer funds. He faces up to 120 years in prison when sentenced in March 2023.
Ohnahji B believes the government oversight in this case lends legitimacy to the crypto space, making outsiders see it as less “wild west.” More people may get involved, feeling it’s safer now. But there are pros and cons to government involvement. Boss raised concerns that increased regulation could compromise decentralization principles and change how transactions occur as adoption spreads.
KEEP CALM AND CREATE ON!
Regarding the growing market, Boss co-signs with an earlier sentiment from Ohnahji B that positive signs are on the horizon. Even though they feel some apprehension about the fickle nature of crypto markets, as a first-timer in this cycle, they believe we are headed for better times if people continue building skills, providing value, and supporting each other.
The opportunities for Black creators to build their brands, marketplaces, and communities within Web3 will soon begin growing, and Ohnahji B emphasizes sharing resources and information to lift up your networks. He advises creators to strengthen their craft and showcase works in progress to let people see the artistic process.
Regardless of the ups and downs of the blockchain markets, Speaker Symbolik behind Black NFT Art emphasizes that artists keep the value of their work high and support each other.
“Like, to me, that excitement about getting rich quick, we should honestly not fall for that anymore. We should know that we have to stick together, work harder than the next person, support value, value other people, and value ourselves. Look at culture — we determine what’s hot, and we’ve been determining what’s hot. We love you and we value you.”
Our ONJU Saturday ended on an optimistic note, and we plan to keep collaborating, creating, and chronicling the journey of hometeam artists navigating and shaping Web3.
Passionate conversations like these showcase the potential for artists and creators to make their mark in this new digital landscape, and Ohnahji is here to support you! Connect with us on Twitter or visit our website or campus. 🎓
Don’t forget our audio Spaces — The Commons with BOSS2.0 on Wednesdays at 5 pm PST /7 pm CST and Ohnahji U Saturdays, Saturdays at 10 am PST /12 noon CST.
