The discussion features Johan Green, a civil engineering student at Howard University and self-taught product developer from Trinidad and Tobago, sharing his insights on the Black Blockchain Conference. Johan highlights the conference’s significance as one of the first of its kind in the U.S., emphasizing its well-organized structure and the importance of representation in the blockchain space. He contrasts this experience with a previous tech event where he was one of very few Black attendees, underscoring the need for spaces that empower the Black community. Johan is deeply committed to building and giving back through blockchain by fostering education, research, and development via his initiative, 80 Blocks Lab. This includes offering Solidity classes, hosting meetups, and organizing future hackathons, notably in collaboration with Coinbase. His vision extends beyond the U.S., aiming to connect communities in Africa, the Caribbean, and the U.S., spreading blockchain knowledge and fostering innovation. Johan believes dedication and proper execution are key to transforming ideas into impactful projects that address challenges faced by the Black community, signaling hope for groundbreaking solutions emerging from these efforts.