Afrofuturism in Real Time

Hi. My name is Ashley, and I'm a nerd. I’m a BIG nerd. A professional nerd. An L-7 of epic proportions. I have known this about myself my entire life. I went to a health-science magnet high school, and I was a chemistry major in college. I was that kid that came home each day from elementary school and would talk my mother’s ears off about what I learned that day in science class. I have always loved learning and sharing information. While that has lead me down a path of despair as far as cool kid rankings are concerned, it also fuels how I spend my spare time and what I make myself aware of. Fast forward a few years and here I am, suddenly a 26-year-old black female in the blockchain/crypto space and unfortunately I must say things are quite lonely.

Throughout the past few years of my life I’ve taken a strong personal interest in learning about digital currencies and blockchain technology. I have been so interested in fact, that not a day has gone by without me thinking about this burgeoning field since I was made aware of it by a college ex boyfriend in 2013. What’s more is that I believe deep down in my heart that black people, and POC in general need to be tuned in. There is so much buzz around crypto, so much potential, so much going on in terms of regulation and growth, so much money to be made, and POC do NOT have a seat at the table. As I seek to learn more information about the crypto/ blockchain space on a daily basis, I am bombarded with images of a not too diverse, but booming marketplace. We are effectively shut out of these discussions and with the way blockchain and digital currencies are poised to shape the future, it is only to our detriment. So, as usual, we cannot wait to be invited, and must insert ourselves into the narrative. It is our duty to ensure our interests are well represented in these spaces that are poised to foster some of the most groundbreaking innovations of our generation.

The most accessible means we all have at our disposal is to use your voice. Share the education and the concepts, share your personal experiences, teach others in your circle about what's going on and how it benefits them. I, like many other entrepreneurs in the crypto/ blockchain space am constantly met with blank stares, awkward judgments, or ignorant comments when I try to explain what I do and why people should care. In spite of this, I have also had moments of intense clarity. Moments when I know I am pursuing something worthy of my time, energy, and attention, and when I am reminded that I am helping to share valuable knowledge with people. It is important to remember that there will be pushback. People will think you are strange. People will resist the information you have to tell them. You have to become an evangelist of what you believe in and lead not only with your voice, but also with action.

Taking action is another way to not only engage in the crypto ecosystem, but it is also a way by which you can support innovative organizations of your choosing. It’s one thing to have knowledge. But if that knowledge does not translate to concrete action in the world then what is the point? Learn about the cryptocurrency market place. Invest in projects and initiatives you believe in. Attend local meet-ups to network with other like minded individuals, or create your own. Receive guidance from trusted resources when you’re ready to dip your toe into the digital currency space. Join Facebook groups and follow the Twitter accounts of innovators in the space. Taking action also means it is our responsibility to take part in the larger discussion surrounding crypto. We need some leaders in this space to stand at the forefront and represent the interests of often overlooked communities. Reach out to local political officials and voice your interests. There are so many steps you can take to become a walking advocate for what you care about. Be part of the change you want to see.

As a technology becomes mainstream, it is often too late to play a role in shaping any aspect of the technological innovation to our interests. Disadvantaged communities are often relegated to the sidelines as these huge life-changing innovations are imposed upon us, without any say in the matter. We are on the verge of mass adoption in this space and the unfortunate reality is that POC are often adapters not the shapers of major societal innovations and this needs to change. Now I am not saying that black innovators in the crypto/ blockchain space don’t exist at all. Those who exist thankfully demonstrate to others what is possible for us to achieve in this space. We just need to focus on spreading awareness in the black and poc community about the digital future that is upon us. It’s time to become knowledgeable and seek representation in these fields so we can be part of shaping amazing technologies and regulations to serve the often overlooked interests of our community as well. As we march forward into the technologically advanced future, I hope that we begin to understand the necessity for diversity in all industries, and the necessity for us to empower ourselves with knowledge and action.