A Newcomer’s Summation of the 2nd Annual Black Blockchain Summit

It was a privilege and joy to ingratiate myself with the attendees and speakers of the Black Blockchain Summit that was held at the historic Howard University in Washington, D.C! The 2nd annual event kicked off autumn with 24+ Panel Discussions and Keynote speeches.

There were more than 40 speakers and up to 200 attendees. As a first-time participant, I embraced the Day One 12-hour schedule of Barazas (panels), Keynotes, Nyams (breaks), and Dinner Reception. It gave me a chance to comprehend the intricacies of Blockchain as a technology and as an industry. Each presenter shared solutions as to how we can incorporate Blockchain into our everyday lives, careers, and businesses.

The most dynamic of all speakers was Her Excellency Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, former African Union Ambassador to the United States. She compelled us, especially those that are part of the Diaspora, to master the technology and contribute to the rebuilding of Africa as well as within our own spheres. Her fiery plea was supported by experiences from her career as a medical doctor, diplomat, and entrepreneur.

U.S. Representative Stacey E. Plaskett followed with a Winnie Mandela keynote speech to address, “Governance & Accountability through Blockchain.” The U.S. Virgin Islands’ Congresswoman shared efforts relating to the H.R. 2144 Token Taxonomy Act of 2019 legislation.

Initial opening ceremony greetings were offered by proclamation from Muriel Bowser, the Mayor of Washington, D.C. and read by Lindsey Parker, CTO of the D.C. Government. The Black Women Blockchain Council can attest that a third of the speakers and at least 25% of the attendees were women. In fact, our Founder Olayinka Odeniran headed the Baraza on “Digital Identities for Sovereignty & Privacy.”

.... Tavonia Evans, Founder of $Guap Coin and Maureen Murat, Esquire Principal at Crowdie Advisors are two of the better known authorities on Blockchain applications and cryptocurrency. Tavonia reported that she’s working with big box retailers to have the altcoin accepted as a form of payment. Maureen is a sought-after speaker and professor who is an expert at Blockchain smart contracts, crypto mining, and ICOs.

Mona Hamdy, a Harvard University Teaching Fellow helped to close Day Two of the Black Blockchain Summit by delivering an impassioned speech on, “… Black Wealth Matters.” Mona’s perspective as an Egyptian fueled her appeal to recognize that economic parity impacts social justice.

As you can tell, the Black Blockchain Summit ... was jammed with solutions-oriented Blockchain pioneers, experts, advocates, and enthusiasts from all over the globe and across the U.S.. [It] was live streamed to up to 1,000 worldwide viewers. John [Wainaina Karanja of Bitmari] co-organized the conference from his hub in Nairobi, Kenya.

The summit was my first foray into participating in any blockchain or crypto-currency conference. My profession as a White Paper Writer and Business Strategist denotes a behind-the-screen approach to embracing blockchain technology. However, having access to the plethora of warm and knowledgeable attendees has spurred me to have continued involvement. Becoming a member of the Black Women Blockchain Council has been my next step toward fulfilling that goal.  Congratulations to Sinclair Skinner and his team for another successful event.

Read the full article by going to Medium.com or the BWBC site - https://bwbc.io/