On May 17, the Captain Haiti Foundation, a 4947(a)(1) Charitable Trust, announced a significant partnership with private equity firm Dargent Group, raising $5 million in an effort to utilize blockchain technologies for a noble cause – combating Miami’s housing crisis while preserving the cultural heritage of the Haitian community in the city. The initiative, led by Nandy Martin, or Captain Haiti, focuses on helping residents in the Little Haiti neighborhood acquire land, family homes, and commercial real estate.
According to Martin, achieving just a fraction of the success of Wynwood’s Wall could potentially bring in 150,000 tourists annually, consequently stimulating local businesses and amplifying cultural exchange. However, some may argue that this initiative might contribute to further gentrification or could be seen as a mere publicity stunt.
In order to kickstart the project, Martin will collaborate with Nusic, a Web3 music infrastructure provider, to release a limited edition geo-located music nonfungible token (NFT) collection. Collectors of these NFTs will be granted first-option real-estate purchase rights, creating unique opportunities within the real estate market. The Captain Haiti Foundation also aims to raise $300,000 for the beautification of Little Haiti; 30% of these funds will be allocated to community cleanups, public art, and planting greens under the “Little Haiti Walls” initiative.
This is not the first attempt by Martin to leverage blockchain technology for the betterment of the Haitian community in Miami. Two years ago, with the support of Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson, and Miami District Commissioner Jeffrey Watson, Martin used blockchain to revitalize Little Haiti. Watson granted $200,000 to 40 local businesses for importing Haitian products, while Martin created the Little Haiti Coin on the Cardano blockchain, providing discounts for Haitian imports.
Captain Haiti, recognized for his eccentric shield and cape
Source: Cointelegraph
