Jameel Gordon 1/14/25 Jameel Gordon 1/14/25

Corporate Criminology

Let’s be honest with ourselves: we, as individuals, are born into organized groups. Whether functional or dysfunctional, families are organized groups. For many, particularly those in rural or suburban areas, extended families form another layer of organization. Beyond that, our communities, districts, provinces, states, countries, and all the spaces in between, above, or below are nothing more than organized groups of people. Sometimes we dress them up with fancy names—corporations, bylaws, constitutions—but at their core, they’re all collections of individuals banded together.

Even those who are born outside of traditional family structures—children who don’t know their parents—are still brought into organized systems, whether through state-run institutions, foster care, or the networks of strangers within churches, mosques, synagogues, or even cults. One way or another, humans find themselves woven into groups.

Some groups are impossible to miss. They wave their flags proudly, basking in visibility. Others are harder to identify—operating in shadows, often labeled as secret societies. But for those of us with a discerning eye, the façade of these organized structures is transparent. Let’s face it: this world is one colossal Ponzi scheme. So, let the games I was born into continue.

I’m not claiming an “[insert whutever] vs. everybody” mindset, as if I were some walking slogan emblazoned on a T-shirt. What I am saying is this: I am a sovereign individual, even amidst your member states, your institutions, and every organized group I encounter as a social being.

If you wish, we can continue playing these games of construction. That’s fine, because if there’s one thing I excel at, it’s dismantling and reconstructing frameworks and competencies.

But let me be clear, like Rome supposedly said to Hannibal: “Freedom or war—the choice is yours.” The truth is, it makes no difference to me. (And yes, that’s a paraphrase—because I wasn’t there to hear it myself, and history belongs to those with the privilege to tell it.)

Now, go run and tell that.

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Jameel Gordon 12/28/24 Jameel Gordon 12/28/24

Yes, I Am Black.

In many of the spaces I’ve entered to be part of a community, one of the first things people attempt to adjust in order to shape my reality is their definition of my blackness. It’s as if my melanated skin alone does not serve as a sufficient identifier. I can only speak to this from my viewpoint as an American. I haven’t spent enough time in spaces outside the U.S. to observe this phenomenon at play elsewhere.

Being born and spending my early childhood in Jamaica, there wasn’t much emphasis on my blackness. Yes, Jamaica is a predominantly Black country, with Black people occupying leadership roles at all levels—a reality that has existed since my birth. Jamaica is also a prideful nation, particularly in its celebration of independence from colonial powers and the British monarchy. At the time of my birth, Jamaica was still tied to those powers in many ways, despite its independence. Over time, as Jamaica further developed as a nation, it also intertwined itself with global entities like the IMF and World Bank. Yet within the country, there was always a cultural consciousness and awareness. We knew we were Black—that was simply a fact of life. I didn’t encounter people trying to define or shape my blackness in the way I have in the United States.

I first encountered this during my early days in elementary school after immigrating to the U.S., specifically in fourth grade. My accent gave me away immediately. Both my white and Black peers were quick to remind me that my Blackness wasn’t the “right” Black—it wasn’t “American” Black. Many Black immigrants would testify to this experience, as it’s far from unique to me. This phenomenon extended beyond the schoolyard and manifests in communities across the world, where we see sub-communities forming within larger ones.

I’ve also experienced this in the professional world. In many professional spaces, there is often a special niche—now more commonly referred to as an affinity group—for Black professionals. For example: Black in Tech. While I understand the reasoning behind such groups, I’ve always rejected them. Personally, I don’t want to be defined as “Black in Tech.” Yes, I am Black. Yes, I work in tech. But I’d rather not categorize myself that way.

I encountered this same phenomenon in the church. There was nothing more bizarre than white Christians going out of their way to teach me Black liberation theology—because if I was going to be a pastor in their white church, it had to be to cultivate a Black Christian community within their larger church. Yet again, this was another affinity group I had to reject. There’s much I could say about the lack of cultural humility here, particularly regarding a liberation theology that wasn’t shaped by Christians at all. My experience wasn’t surprising, though, because in their eyes, I’m Black.

I’ve also faced this in civil and social matters. I’m expected to belong to and serve the Black community because it is the most marginalized. While I understand this expectation, especially at this point in my life, I can’t help but say, “Trust me—I know I’m Black.”. I know! 🤫

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Jameel Gordon 1/2/25 Jameel Gordon 1/2/25

Be Like Water: Free, Adapt, and Flow with Life

Free yourself from the outcome.

That’s the best advice I can offer. Hold onto your vision, take the necessary steps to move forward, and remain flexible.

Be malleable, like Bruce Lee was taught, be like water. 💦

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Jameel Gordon 1/1/25 Jameel Gordon 1/1/25

Redesigning the Future: Building an Economy That Works for Everyone

As I continue to think about the “economy” of the future, an “economy” that benefits us all, I have come to realize that such a future begins with redesigning the way we produce, the way we distribute, and the way we consume. This will be a challenge because there’s so much corruption in all our current economic models.

I am still thinking about this.🤫🫦

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Jameel Gordon 1/1/25 Jameel Gordon 1/1/25

Happy New Year Everyone

For many, the new year marks the beginning of a journey towards self-improvement. They set New Year’s resolutions and diligently work towards executing their plans from the previous months. Others, however, approach the new year with a sense of familiarity, seeing little change in their lives. Regardless of their approach, the new year presents an opportunity for fresh starts and new beginnings.

As I reflect on the concept of time and our methods of measuring it, I find myself reflecting on the past year and the questions that still linger in my mind. This new year presents a chance to pause, reflect, and ask myself the same foundational questions that have been on my mind since 2024:

1. I’ve been focused on simplifying my life to prepare for meaningful work ahead, creating space for well-being, focus, and joy. In embracing quiet moments—through walks and reflection—I’ve discovered an unsettling truth: I wasn’t breathing properly, or sometimes at all. While breathing is an involuntary act, paying attention to my shallow and irregular habits has made me more mindful of this essential function. Now, I frequently ask myself, “Are you breathing?”—a simple yet transformative question. It’s not about perfect technique but the act itself, a practice I hope to explore further this year. So, let me ask you: “Are you breathing?” Take a moment and just breathe.

2. Lately, I’ve been simplifying my life to fully embrace what I consider the most important work of my lifetime. To stay present and engaged in this work, I’ve realized the need to be more intentional in all areas of my life, including something as simple as eating. While I nourish my body, I’ve noticed that I’m often not truly present for my meals. I’ve eaten, but I haven’t really savored the flavors or fully experienced the act of eating. Now, I’ve started asking myself, “Am I really eating?” This question reminds me to slow down, enjoy my food, and be mindful of the moment. As the year progresses, I plan to dive deeper into what I eat—how it’s sourced, prepared, and its impact on my well-being. So, let me ask you: “Are you eating?” Take a moment, be present, and truly enjoy your next meal.

3. Movement is a simple yet profound privilege we often overlook. As I simplify my life, I’ve become more mindful of how I move and how my body connects to the ground, the spaces, and the world around me. Working remotely, I’ve had to be intentional about not staying behind screens for too long. While I ditched computers for mobile devices years ago to avoid being desk-bound, I realized these devices can still be just as immobilizing if I’m not careful. Now, I strive to alternate deep work with mindful movement—whether it’s a focused sprint followed by a walk or simply pausing to reconnect with my surroundings. I’ve made it a habit to ask myself, “Are you moving?” This question reminds me to step away, engage in intentional activity, and avoid the trap of remaining stationary, no matter the setting. So, before diving into your next task or to-do list, pause and ask yourself: “Are you moving?” Then leave your device behind, take a walk, and reconnect with the world around you. Let’s move.

4. Rest and rejuvenation are essential for our well-being and productivity. Lately, I’ve been asking myself a simple yet vital question: “Are you sleeping?” I’ve learned that without proper rest, I can’t accomplish the work I’ve set out to do or maintain my health and energy. Like many, I once subscribed to the “no sleep” mindset, believing success required sacrificing rest. But through experience, I’ve realized that my best work—and my ability to find joy and peace—only happens when I’m well-rested. When I feel low energy, doubt, or negativity, the answer often lies in my lack of sleep. The solution? Rest. So, let me ask you: “Are you sleeping?” Before tackling the challenges of the day, let’s ensure we’re rested, rejuvenated, and ready to show up as our best selves. Rest is not a luxury—it’s essential.

5. Play is a fundamental part of life, an instinctual way we learn, grow, and explore the world. Yet, somewhere along the way, society placed an expiration date on playfulness. In truth, play remains just as vital in adulthood as it is in childhood. For me, play has always been a cornerstone of my life, from outdoor adventures as a child to embracing joy and curiosity in my daily experiences. Lately, I’ve been asking myself, “Are you playing?” Am I doing things simply for the joy of it, without any agenda? If something doesn’t spark a sense of playfulness, I’m learning to let it go. In a world full of complexities and challenges, perhaps what we all need is a bit more play. So, I ask you: Are you playing? If not, it’s time to make room for a little fun.

In short, 2025 will be a lot like 2024: Jameel will be taking excellent care of himself! Self-care is still for baddies!

Let’s breathe. Let’s eat. Let’s move. Let’s rest. Let’s play. Happy New Year, everyone! 🏁

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Jameel Gordon 12/19/24 Jameel Gordon 12/19/24

Time Is A Human Construct

Time is a human construct. It emerged from our observations of celestial bodies and their movements. We connected these movements to their effects on Earth, leading us to believe that shadows cast by these bodies could measure their movements and determine our position in the vast universe. We named this measurement “time.” However, this measurement is constantly inaccurate, and the methodology was flawed. I don’t intend to convince anyone that this is wrong and I’m right, but I’ll share more about this later.

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Jameel Gordon 12/17/24 Jameel Gordon 12/17/24

Self-Governance: Resilience, Unity, and Cultural Empowerment

I reject the idea that we must cater to the interests of white Americans, white Europeans, or white people in general to ensure our well-being and freedom. There’s this notion that they hold the key to these basic human rights.

I don’t say this and speak of race as a convenience, but rather to emphasize cultural humility. Every community I’ve lived in or visited has demonstrated the ability to lead itself. I haven’t found any community lacking in intellectual capacity for self-governance.

Even when resources were scarce, whether monetary, private, or public, I’ve observed that this was often due to complex corruption within the community itself that served as a cradle for white supremacy and systemic racism. Let’s pause here for a moment.

Go serve yourselves!

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Jameel Gordon 12/10/24 Jameel Gordon 12/10/24

Beyond Reach: A Creative Odyssey Through Pure Genius

I’m losing myself in my own genius again. Many don’t know this, but I designed artificial intelligence during one of the most painful times in my life. I also conceived Oaks + Oars while enduring the most vile and inhumane acts from those closest to me, causing unimaginable pain.

Now, as I step into that creative space again, something feels different. This time, it’s for my protection because I’m so far ahead of my time. And this time, I will remain in my genius until my work is complete, whenever that may be.

Many think I’m seeking their permission or that they’re the driving force behind this. The truth is, they’re about to witness my genius firsthand. They just got here, but I’ve been doing this. I’m way way way up beyond their reach.

I love you because I know your mind understands. There’s plenty of room up here for you and my daughters. That’s it!🤫🏁

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