By Nichole M. Christian, Narrative Shifter
Since its launch, Ambitio US has prided itself on following the lead and acting in partnership with trailblazing BIPOC artists, creatives, and culture bearers.
We’re proud to support their curiosity about new alternative economic strategies and shifts and to help fund some of the transformative explorations happening in communities nationwide. But by far, the best part of our work, especially as we enter an official post-COVID world, are the instances when we can gather and learn together.
Our grantees’ lived experiences, acquired knowledge, and collaborative generosity are core reminders of why we exist. Of course, it’s all spelled out in our Theory of Change . But Ambitio US grantees like Marquis Harmon , CEO of Gracepoint Neighborhood, bring the work and its relevance to life in more critical ways. Anyone endeavoring to understand why Ambitio US and CCI are so intently studying and questioning the fast-moving world of Web 3.0, blockchain, and Crypto need only pull up a seat and listen to this self-described serial entrepreneur with his eyes locked on expanding inclusivity in these spaces.
Our recent sojourn to Austin, Texas, for Consensus 2023, was a richer and more relevant experience because Marquis agreed to join us.
“Being present and prepared to add value in spaces such as Consensus is critical for BIPOC creatives and allies,’’ he said, reflecting on the four-day conference. Marquis’ Gracepoint Neighborhood project is focused on creating a safe, secure crypto wallet4 that is constructed around the experience of BIPOC users. Gracepoint will have robust Web3, financial, and educational offerings to minimize exploitation and extraction, allowing users to access and earn utility tokens.
Marquis speaks from the point of view of a builder who refuses to be discouraged by the seemingly small numbers of others like him. Too much creative and economic possibility is at stake. “NFTs and the Web3 space offer BIPOC artists, creatives, and others an opportunity for economic empowerment, global exposure, disruption of traditional power structures, authentic storytelling, and community building. All of which have been safeguarded closely by tightlipped patriarchal gatekeepers traditionally.’’
Marquis has a message for funders and others who view the learning curve too steep to see tangible value in attending massive insiders conferences like Consensus and others.
“My hope is that many more allies and groups like Ambitio US begin to equip themselves with essential building blocks and information necessary to participate in discussions that reinforce to the majority of investors, developers, and teams in Web.3 that you in no way will be seen as the voice for our communities and will respect our views, experiences, needs and Intellectual property.’’
Harmon adds: “We need partners who are with us for the long term.’’
This article was originally published on Medium. Read it on Medium →