From Charlotte, North Carolina’s banking capital to becoming a Bitcoin advocate and author, this journey spans nearly seven years of cryptocurrency evolution. What started as a casual mention from a roommate has transformed into a mission to educate the Black community about Bitcoin’s potential for financial empowerment.
The Early Days: Getting Started in Bitcoin (2013)
The journey began in 2013 when a simple conversation sparked curiosity about Bitcoin. Working in tech while living in America’s banking capital created an interesting contrast when exploring this revolutionary digital currency.
“I had a roommate who just kind of mentioned Bitcoin to me because I was in the tech space, he was in the banking industry,” the author recalls. This led to deeper research, discovering influential voices like Max Keiser and the Winklevoss twins discussing Bitcoin and blockchain technology.
The first step was purchasing Bitcoin, followed by leveraging a coding background to build applications and explore trading opportunities.
From One-on-One Consulting to Writing a Book
By 2015, consulting work began, helping others enter the Bitcoin space through free Bitcoin giveaways, consultations, and building websites with Bitcoin payment integration. However, this approach revealed a significant inefficiency.
“I was basically helping a lot of Black people get into Bitcoin, but it was like one at a time,” the author explains. “I realized it would be more efficient to write an entire piece where everybody can read it at any time and have the same information that I used to consult people anyway.”
This realization led to the creation of “Bitcoin and Black America,” a 180-page book available on Amazon that addresses the unique relationship between cryptocurrency and the African American community.
The Writing Challenge
Writing the book proved to be “probably the hardest thing I’ve done in my life,” taking nearly a year to complete. The first six months were particularly challenging, with constant revisions due to the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape.
The author had to overcome perfectionism, setting a release date of July 11th and committing to it despite ongoing revisions. The solution was to include missing information in presentations and webinars rather than delaying publication indefinitely.
Key Insights from “Bitcoin and Black America”
The book begins with personal stories, including experiences with hacking attempts and dealing with family skepticism. It emphasizes that Bitcoin adoption doesn’t require being “a huge genius physicist mathematician” – everyday people can participate.
Solution-Based Content
After the introductory chapters, the book focuses on practical solutions:
- Education: Addressing college and high school students’ need for cryptocurrency knowledge
- Religious institutions: How Black churches can accept Bitcoin donations
- International relations: Connections with African Bitcoin communities in Uganda and Zimbabwe
- Bitcoin ATMs: Practical usage and accessibility
- Corporate adoption: Blockchain technology with companies like Walmart and Facebook’s cryptocurrency initiatives
One notable chapter, “F*** the Banks,” explores the historical relationship between banks and the Black community, explaining why cryptocurrency alternatives matter.
The Silk Road Era and Ross Ulbricht Case
Reflecting on 2013, when Silk Road and Mt. Gox dominated Bitcoin headlines, the author remembers how Silk Road became a scapegoat for Bitcoin criticism. “Most of the traffic on the website had nothing to do with drugs,” they note, emphasizing that Ross Ulbricht simply “built a website” that others used.
The case represents broader issues about cryptocurrency regulation and government overreach, with the author supporting the Free Ross campaign and believing politicians’ evolving understanding of Bitcoin will eventually lead to justice.
Bitcoin as Digital Reparations
One of the book’s most provocative themes addresses reparations through cryptocurrency. Rather than asking for reparations from traditional institutions, the author advocates for self-determination through Bitcoin adoption.
“You’re gonna have to basically change your money system and take money away from the oppressors,” they explain. “Give yourself reparations with Bitcoin.”
This approach views Bitcoin as “digital real estate” that can provide the financial foundation for community empowerment. By switching to an open, permissionless money system, communities can capture value that reflects their true economic contributions.
Addressing Common Risks: Scams and Security
The African and African American Bitcoin communities face similar challenges with Ponzi schemes and multi-level marketing scams. The solution centers on education and security awareness.
Education as Defense
Through daily shows and YouTube tutorials, the mission focuses on providing comprehensive cryptocurrency education. Personal experience with hacking attempts reinforces the importance of security education.
“Hacking is sort of a surreal thing when it happens,” the author shares, emphasizing that while they didn’t lose crypto personally, the experience highlighted the crucial need for security knowledge.
Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin adoption doesn’t require technical expertise – everyday people can participate
- Community-focused education is more efficient than individual consulting
- Cryptocurrency can serve as a form of economic self-determination
- Security education is crucial for preventing losses from hacks and scams
- Historical banking injustices make cryptocurrency alternatives particularly relevant
- International connections strengthen the global Bitcoin community
Moving Forward: The Future of Bitcoin Advocacy
This journey from banking capital to Bitcoin advocacy represents broader themes in cryptocurrency adoption. The focus on community education, practical solutions, and addressing specific challenges faced by marginalized communities provides a roadmap for sustainable Bitcoin growth.
As cryptocurrency continues evolving, the emphasis on education, security, and community empowerment remains constant. The book serves as both historical document and practical guide for anyone interested in understanding Bitcoin’s potential for social and economic transformation.
For those interested in exploring these themes further, “Bitcoin and Black America” offers detailed insights into one of cryptocurrency’s most important conversations – how digital money can address historical inequities and create new opportunities for financial empowerment.