DETROIT, MI — On August 22, Stand With Crypto, America’s leading crypto advocacy organization, hosted “Unlock the Block: Detroit,” a free block party that brought together local lawmakers and crypto leaders to celebrate Michigan’s growing digital asset economy and reiterate the urgent need to pass federal legislation that provides regulatory clarity.

With more than 4,300 crypto advocates registered for the event, grassroots support for common-sense regulations continues to surge. 

The event saw local officials – including U.S. Representative Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Michigan State Representative and Majority Floor Leader Bryan Posthumus (R-Rockford), and City of Detroit Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity Justin Onwenu – discuss how crypto is already transforming Michigan’s economy, and how market structure legislation can ensure crypto developers, users, and advocates are able to continue innovating responsibly.  

“I support creating a more equitable financial system for my constituents and for every American – and crypto is an essential tool to make this vision a reality,” said U.S. Representative Shri Thanedar (MI-13). “Market structure legislation will create the clear rules of the road we need to power innovation and expand financial access while protecting hardworking Americans. Together, we have the chance to strengthen Michigan’s economy and secure America’s place as a global leader in the technologies that are shaping the future.” 

“With more than 45,5000 Stand With Crypto advocates in Michigan, it’s clear that the state’s growing crypto community is motivated to build a digital asset economy that benefits everyone,” said Mason Lynaugh, Stand With Crypto Community Director. “Stand With Crypto is mobilizing our advocates in the Great Lakes State and nationwide to recruit new advocates, educate community members, and highlight the importance of Congress passing market structure legislation. Through the ‘Unlock the Block: Detroit’ block party, we’re furthering momentum for the federal legislation crypto users need to safely and confidently tap into the blockchain economy.”  

Also during the block party, the first 500 attendees received $15 USD of cryptocurrency, with the opportunity to spend it on site with local businesses equipped to execute on-chain transactions. In addition to food and drink and a live performance by Big Sean, “Unlock the Block: Detroit” featured a number of interactive experiences including a Crypto Carnival, an NFT Gallery, and IR Graffiti.

“Crypto is already a major driving force in Michigan’s economy. The businesses and crypto users at Stand With Crypto’s block party made it clear that the crypto community is not only here to stay – it’s growing all the time,” said Elizabeth Hansson, Stand With Crypto Michigan Chapter President and Founder of the Detroit Blockchain Collective. “As crypto developers, users, and advocates in our state have continued to stress, we need Congress to help ensure that digital innovation remains in the hands of American builders, guided by clear laws, strong consumer protections, and democratic values.”

Over the past two years, Stand With Crypto has built a community-led movement to mobilize and harness the voice of America’s 52 million crypto owners into a powerful and unified voting bloc, championing clear, common-sense regulations for the crypto industry and unlocking crypto’s innovation potential while fostering greater economic opportunity and freedom.