Rap star Jay-Z, aka Sean Carter, and Block CEO Jack Dorsey recently dropped off bitcoins for members of the Bitcoin Academy in Brooklyn. Gloria Carter, Jay-Z’s mother, explained in a statement that a large number of residents from Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, participated, with more than 350 people attending the crypto classes.
Hundreds of Brooklynites enrolled in Bitcoin Academy – some participants signed up with $1,000 in Bitcoin
In the first week of June, Bitcoin.com News reported on Jack Dorsey and Jay-Z teaming up to launch a Bitcoin Academy for Marcy House residents in Brooklyn. According to a report from Business Insider, the academy classes have seen hundreds of people. Jay-Z’s mother, Gloria Carter, told the publication: “The residents of Marcy came. She added: “The more than 350 people who attended the Bitcoin Academy classes let us know that this course is important and relevant to them.
The report further discussed the project with a Marcy House resident who participated in the classes. In addition, at the end of the courses, Bedford-Stuyvesant residents can register for a gift of $1,000 in bitcoin (BTC) per person sent to Cashapp or Munn Wallet. The 12-week educational course was free only for residents of Brooklyn’s Marcy House. Marcy resident Mariela Regalado said the academy reminded her of Jay-Z growing up in the area.
I remember growing up in the project. [Jay-Z] And his team would come and give us toys and things like that,” Regalado told Business Insider. “My friends and I call this kind of ‘code philanthropy’ – so for me it’s kind of an evolution of that.” Regalado also detailed that the academy provided free daycare for her daughter and that as a single mother, she was able to attend courses. Regalado added:
[The classes were] It’s just a fun, educational trip that I’ve had with my neighbors. I always felt it. [we were] At a family dinner and as soon as he found out about Bitcoin, the cousin is telling everyone about it.
A Bitcoin Academy instructor breaks it down ‘into a vernacular that others can understand’.
Brooklyn Bitcoin Academy was also sponsored by Crypto Blockchain Plug (Najah J Roberts) and Black Bitcoin Billionaire (Lamar Wilson). Wilson was a teacher and the person who contacted Block CEO Jack Dorsey to present the program. Courses taught included topics such as “Careers in Crypto”, “Wealth Building and Assets”, “Bitcoin & Taxes” and “Why Decentralization Makes a Difference”.
“Information often does not reach our communities. It’s not because people are intentionally biased, it’s because they’re not intentionally trying to get the information out there. And someone has to pick up the mantle and do it,” Wilson said. Brooklyn Bitcoin Academy instructor adds:
Because I understand the information and can break it down in a language that others can understand, especially where I come from, I feel almost obligated to make sure people get the information, and I don’t like it. Advise them to buy bitcoins or try to get them to invest all their money or whatever. Honestly, let me give you the information and let you make your own decision as an intelligent being.
What do you think of Jack Dorsey and Jay-Z’s Brooklyn Bitcoin Academy? Let us know what you think about this in the comments section below.
Image credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons
DisclaimerThis article is for informational purposes only. It is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal or accounting advice. Neither the Company nor the Author shall be liable, directly or indirectly, for any damages or losses arising out of the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services referred to in this paragraph.
Great news