Co-founder Sinclair Skinner and Dr. Tonya Evans, of Howard University’s Armour J. Blackburn University Center, are leading the charge in promoting the potential of blockchain technology to positively impact Black communities. The Black Blockchain Summit, now in its sixth edition, is the longest-running event of its kind in the United States. This year’s edition, held at Howard University, drew hundreds of attendees and featured renowned speakers from the United States, Caribbean, and African continent.
According to Skinner, the summit is a movement to ensure that technologies like blockchain are relevant and can bring about positive change in communities. He believes that scalable tools through emerging tech can help solve problems within the Black community. The summit, which includes panels, workshops, a hackathon, and a pitch competition, continues to attract senior executives, developers, founders, experts, and community builders who want to engage in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry.
The Black Blockchain Summit is important and thriving because of the infrastructure that Black pioneers and visionaries have built over the last 14 years. Black communities have been the earliest adopters of Bitcoin and have spent over a decade laying the foundation for economic opportunity and wealth creation. The rallying cry of the summit, “Satoshi Is Black,” highlights the contribution and involvement of Black individuals in the crypto ecosystem.
The article provides a snapshot of pivotal milestones in the Black blockchain and cryptocurrency space. It mentions individuals like Ernest Mbenkum, who was an early blockchain user, and Sinclair Skinner, who launched the first super-PAC in the US to accept bitcoin contributions. It also highlights the accomplishments of Reggie Middleton, CEO of Veritaseum, the Sacramento Kings, the first pro sports franchise to accept bitcoin, and actor Erika Alexander, who is using blockchain to make journalism more inclusive through her company, Color Farm Media.
The article goes on to mention the creation of various organizations, initiatives, and events in the Black blockchain community. These include the Center for the Study of Blockchain and Financial Technology at Morgan State University, the Black Women Blockchain Council, the Women of Color in Blockchain group, and the Black Bitcoin Billionaire Club on Clubhouse.
The involvement of Black leaders in advocating for inclusion and fostering economic empowerment is also highlighted, such as the submission of a letter to the Biden Administration and the submission of legislative proposals to the U.S. Senate Banking Committee.
The article concludes by mentioning upcoming events and initiatives, such as Morgan State University’s National Blockchain and Fintech Conference and the Blockchain Braintrust Retreat on Martha’s Vineyard.
Co-founder Sinclair Skinner and Dr. Tonya Evans are leading the way in promoting the potential of blockchain technology to bring about positive change in Black communities. The Black Blockchain Summit continues to be a thriving event that attracts industry leaders, experts, and community builders who are committed to leveraging emerging technologies for the betterment of society.
