The South STILL Got Something to Say
2024 was a watershed year for cryptocurrency in the United States. It was not just that cryptocurrencies made their grand entrance onto the political stage in 2024, it ended up heavily influencing the presidential election through donor engagement and civic engagement. 2024 was the year the narrative shifted. While headlines screamed about "Whatever-coins" and influencer rug pull antics antics, a quieter, more profound story has been unfolding: the rise of cryptocurrency as a potential economic engine for marginalized communities, particularly in the American South. This is not about Bitcoin's fluctuating price; it is about access, opportunity, and a region reclaiming its narrative in the face of historical economic disparities.
The 2024 election saw an unprecedented surge in pro-crypto sentiment within the US government. The 116th Congress boasts a significant pro-crypto increase in membership, coupled with a new White House administration that not only embraced cryptocurrency but even launched its own Whatever-coins and has had a prominent level of engagement with the crypto community early on. This political climate, driven in part by crypto's influence on the election and administration, have created a fertile ground for the industry to flourish. The later enrichment of the 45th President through the launch of his own Whatever-coins further cemented crypto's place in the national conversation, marking the beginning of the "Crypto President" era.
But beyond the political theater, a more significant trend is appearing. Atlanta, Georgia, is becoming a critical hub for blockchain technology, and even more importantly, for blockchain adoption in the New South. This resurgence of economic activity mirrors the South's historical role as a center of innovation and resilience. It is a reminder that while the national narrative often overlooks the region, the South still has something to say, particularly when it comes to shaping the future of finance.
The potential for economic empowerment through crypto is not just theoretical. Stories like those highlighted by Oluwapelumi Adejumo, highlighting how disenfranchised communities are using digital assets for wealth accumulation and homeownership, show the real-world impact of this technology. This echoes the historical struggles for economic independence in the South, where marginalized communities have consistently sought pathways to prosperity in the face of systemic barriers. Just as the region played a pivotal role in the industrial revolution and the civil rights movement, it poised to become a leader in the digital finance revolution.
However, realizing this potential requires more than just technological innovation. It demands a concerted effort to bridge the knowledge gap and ensure that everyone has access to the tools and resources they need to take part in this new economy. Organizations like Stand With Crypto and the Atlanta Blockchain Center are crucial in this effort, offering educational opportunities and fostering a vibrant community of innovators and entrepreneurs.
In my work with Stand With Crypto in 2025, I have seen firsthand the power of grassroots advocacy in shaping the regulatory landscape. The organization's commitment to educating policymakers and the public has been instrumental in fostering a more balanced and informed discussion around digital assets. Similarly, my collaboration with the Atlanta Blockchain Center has reinforced the importance of community building in driving innovation. By connecting entrepreneurs, developers, and investors, the center is creating a fertile ecosystem for blockchain technology to thrive.
This brings me back to the American South. This region, with its rich history of resilience and innovation, has a unique opportunity to lead the way in harnessing the power of cryptocurrency for economic empowerment. It is a chance to rewrite the narrative, to create new pathways to prosperity, and to ensure that all share in the benefits of this technological revolution.
I am also excited to announce that #LAExecutive9, #DealTeamSIXX and the #BlockchainBoyz will be taking part in Atlanta Tech Week 2025, where we will be speaking, showcasing and broadcasting the transformative potential of blockchain for economic development in the South. The week will bring together leaders from across the tech industry to discuss the latest trends and innovations, and I am honored to contribute to the conversation. We will also be celebrating the third anniversary of the Atlanta Blockchain Center.
The cryptocurrency revolution is not just about finance; it is about access, opportunity, and empowerment. And in the new American South, it is a chance to reclaim a narrative, build a more inclusive economy, and prove once again that the region still has something powerful to say. This is a call to educate, to innovate, and to ensure that the promise of cryptocurrency is realized for all communities. It is a call for the American South to rise again, this time powered by the blockchain.
