Jameel Gordon 2/11/25 Jameel Gordon 2/11/25

A Vision of Health and Justice

I am known for emphasizing the idea that self-care is for baddies—in other words, taking great care of one’s own health is essential. When we prioritize our well-being, we are also contributing to the well-being of those around us. This, in turn, creates a ripple effect that fosters a more comprehensive approach to collective healthcare. From a global perspective, this means moving beyond a system that relies on healthcare policies designed to support insurance-based models, especially from a financial standpoint, and instead envisioning universal healthcare as a fundamental human right.

This perspective highlights a powerful connection between individual health, community well-being, and the broader concept of universal healthcare. It aligns strongly with sociological and health equity principles.

The Logic Behind My Thinking

1. Individual Responsibility: Taking care of one’s health isn’t just about personal well-being—it has far-reaching consequences. When individuals are healthy, they can better contribute to their families, communities, and society as a whole. This isn’t to say that individuals bear sole responsibility for their health—social determinants play a significant role—but personal health practices do matter.

2. Community Interdependence: Our health is deeply interconnected with the health of our communities. When we prioritize our well-being, we are in a stronger position to care for others, creating a healthier environment for everyone. This includes supporting community health initiatives, advocating for policies that promote health equity, and fostering a culture of care. Most importantly, it requires addressing the societal factors that contribute to both individual and collective illness.

3. Collective Responsibility: The idea of “taking care of each other” represents a shift toward a more collective understanding of health. It acknowledges our shared responsibility for the well-being of all members of society, particularly the most vulnerable. This is where the concept of universal healthcare becomes essential.

4. Universal Healthcare as a Social Good: Universal healthcare is built on the principle that healthcare is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. It ensures that everyone has access to quality care, regardless of their financial status. From a sociological perspective, this isn’t just about individual benefit—it’s about social justice, health equity, and, frankly, good business. A healthy population is a more productive, prosperous population.

5. A Global Health Perspective: Expanding this view globally, we see that the health of nations is deeply interconnected. Global health challenges—such as pandemics—demand international cooperation and a shared commitment to ensuring access to basic healthcare for everyone, everywhere.

A Vision of Health and Justice

As I continue reflecting on the evolution of universal healthcare, my thoughts are beautifully capturing the interconnectedness of health at multiple levels. It begins with individual responsibility, extends to community interdependence, and ultimately leads to universal healthcare as a collective responsibility. This vision is grounded in social justice and recognizes what should be obvious: the fundamental human right to health and well-being. Yes, I said it—the fundamental human right to health and well-being!

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Jameel Gordon 2/4/25 Jameel Gordon 2/4/25

Today is a special day…

and I am honoring it with a moment of silence.

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Jameel Gordon 2/3/25 Jameel Gordon 2/3/25

Let The Trade Wars Commence

I don’t mean to sound alarmist, but as tariffs continue to be exchanged across borders, it will be interesting to see how everything unfolds.

Being from Jamaica, I have a sense of what to expect. It requires adaptability and the ability to remain unattached to any one thing. At the very least, if there’s something you desperately want or need but can’t access due to cost, you have two options: you can make it yourself, or you can do without. Either way, I believe we’re entering a time when everyone will need to become more self-reliant, reflect on their priorities, and make intentional choices about their lives.

What do you want to consume? What don’t you want to consume? What do you want to produce? What don’t you want to produce?

This, my friends, is incredible. Once again, we have done the impossible—we have suspended the law of supply and demand. There’s much to consider here and much that needs to be rethought.

Well done.😉🏁

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

Lessons, Legacy, and Two Years of Impact

My true and my greatest teacher imparted three invaluable lessons that have guided my life. He said:

“Jameel, do what you love, do it with what you have, and do it with excellence.”

Then he said,

“Jameel, the heart choice is the right choice.”

And finally, after our moment of truth, he said,

“Kind people are my kind of people.”

Like my teacher, I am a success story.

Congratulations to me on two years of Oaks & Oars! The impact we’ve made in such a short time is incredible. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has played a role in this journey so far.

You can read our latest impact report here: https://www.oaksandoars.com/our-impact

Cheers to year three!🥂

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Jameel Gordon 1/29/25 Jameel Gordon 1/29/25

Rethinking Economic Development: A Future-Forward Approach

I believe economic development is not a static concept—it must evolve, adapt, and respond to the changing needs of communities. As I look toward the future, our approach continues to expand beyond traditional models, ensuring that growth is not only viable but also sustainable, resilient, and deeply connected to the people it serves. In other words, the more I study circular economics principles it’s the more my thoughts are evolving beyond its principles.

A People-Centered Approach to Progress

Economic development is often measured in numbers—job creation, investment dollars, or GDP growth. While these metrics matter, we recognize that true progress must align with the unique character, aspirations, and needs of the individuals shaping our neighborhoods. A thriving economy is not just about financial success; it’s about fostering a sense of place, belonging, and opportunity.

That’s why I am focused on creating opportunities that reflect the charm and interests of our communities. I am going to work closely with local stakeholders, ensuring that my initiatives generate lasting economic value while strengthening the social fabric and environmental well-being of the regions I serve.

Innovation and Adaptability in Economic Development

From urban revitalization to suburban and rural development, my projects are designed to be adaptable and responsive. There is no one-size-fits-all model for economic success—what works in one region may not work in another. My commitment to innovation allows me to tailor strategies that meet the diverse needs of the people I serve, ensuring that economic growth is inclusive, forward-thinking, and resilient.

Beyond Short-Term Gains: A Vision for the Future

Sustainability isn’t just about environmental consciousness; it’s about ensuring that economic development continues to benefit future generations. I am taking a long-term view, prioritizing projects that not only deliver immediate impact but also lay the foundation for enduring success.

As I continue to think critically about the future of economics, I remain dedicated to building vibrant, interconnected communities. My work is about more than just economic growth—it’s about fostering ecosystems where businesses, people, and communities can thrive together.

I’m not just responding to economic trends—I am shaping what comes next. My vision is clear: to create a future where thoughtful economic progress enriches lives, strengthens communities, and leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come.

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Jameel Gordon 1/27/25 Jameel Gordon 1/27/25

Trust, Transactions, and the Future of Money

Money—whether it’s cash, coins, cryptocurrency, certified bank checks, personal checks, or even financial tools like stamps—is essentially a fancy way of saying, “I don’t trust you.” That’s why, conspiracy theories aside, U.S. dollars bear the phrase “In God We Trust”—because we don’t trust each other. When it comes to transactions, trust is absent. Hence the popular sayings, “Cash is King” or “C.R.E.A.M.: Cash Rules Everything Around Me.”

What I’ve always loved about cryptocurrency—and still love about the idea of it—is that, in most of its applications, it removes trust from the equation. It enables automated transactions that are verifiable. Those involved don’t have to rely on trust because the transactions are provable and executed in near real time. While it’s not perfect, it represents an advancement over traditional cash and check systems.

However, in the world of artificial intelligence, cryptocurrencies are no longer as secure or relevant in many ways. As I’ve pointed out before, artificial intelligence is financial technology. That’s a profound thought to process. So, as I continue to reflect on the future of economics, I’ll say this: In God I trust. Meaning, we’re still not there yet. Let’s take trust off the table. Think about it.🥷🏾🏁🤫

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

Unmasking the Co-Op Model: A Critical Look at Altruism in Business

As I continue reflecting on the future of economics and its many components, one idea that frequently comes up is the co-op model. I’m quite familiar with the cooperative model, particularly as it relates to real estate. However, I’ve also examined it closely as a business model across various industries.

Here’s my issue with cooperatives: they are often presented as an altruistic alternative to traditional capitalist approaches, as though they are inherently superior. However, I see through much of this facade, much like their housing counterparts. These models are still governed by boards, which ultimately manage and run the business in favor of the business owners—the people who buy into the model, often through a membership fee that grants them discounts, perks, or other benefits.

My real issue with these models—and with anything closely tied to socialism in general—is this: they often disguise their flaws under the guise of shared values. Joe Rogan once put it well in one of his early podcasts (or perhaps it was on the radio or internet at the time before he became the infamous Joe Rogan). He said something to the effect of, “Just because you have a group of people holding hands in a circle and singing kumbaya doesn’t mean it’s all love or agreement.” That resonates with me. Ask anyone who’s been part of a cooperative and was forced to leave or voted out for whatever reason—they’ll likely have stories about how they were treated by the ruling group, or as I see it, the “ruling class.”

In many ways, cooperatives are no different from capitalist structures. In fact, I often find them worse because their motives are hidden, masked, or dangerously cloaked behind claims of altruistic “shared values.”

Needless to say, I’m still thinking about the future of economics.

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Jameel Gordon 1/24/25 Jameel Gordon 1/24/25

A Hate Survivor’s Remorse

Success sucks. It really does. I can never avoid this feeling after my so-called “success” or my “wins.” That’s why I often quit, self-sabotage, or walk away.

As I take the time to think about it, from September through January, I ran an incredible sprint. I maintained a sense of balance and remained focused throughout the tasks at hand to achieve the success that brought me to these heights.

I’m ready for the next sprint, but there’s a mental block I’ve been trying to identify. I know it’s tied to how I feel, which seems rooted in grief—grief from all the losses. But if I’ve been winning, how could it possibly be grief? I’ve since identified the feeling as mourning. After reflecting further, I think it’s more akin to survivor’s remorse than anything else.

If I’m to continue my work, the real question isn’t about what to do or how to do it—my vision is clear. The decision I face is about who I have to become to keep going. I’ve faced this choice before, often deciding to quit or walk away so I wouldn’t have to change the core of who I am—a non-negotiable for me.

“Act, Jameel. It’s time to act!”. That’s the advice everyone is giving me because it’s how they navigate these spaces without losing themselves. Or worse, they fear being themselves and coming off as tone-deaf, or saying something that insults or criticizes those who hold the purse strings. They also have to keep things cool with the communities they serve, especially since, at this point, they have bills to pay or other goals they can’t achieve by simply being themselves. It’s okay though because I am enough and I had to survive hate before.

The most memorable time I faced this dilemma was when I built a real estate brokerage in New York City. If you know anything about real estate in NYC, you know you can’t just wake up one day and decide to be a real estate broker unless you’re already an attorney. It’s an entire process. My goal was to become a real estate investor after acquiring the knowledge, resources, and experience.

I began the journey, learned quickly, got all the necessary licenses, and became really good at it. I spent two years solidifying my credentials as a real estate agent, earning all the points required to take the broker’s exam. I passed and became a broker, which gave me the privilege to open my own brokerage.

Leaving my real estate company to start my own was difficult, but I did it. I don’t even remember how long I operated the brokerage, but I do remember hitting the ground running. I used everything I’d learned—all the relationships I’d built and my knowledge of customer acquisition—and within months, I had a fully operational, successful business. Things were going well.

I went from a one-man shop to having my own team of agents. But then I had a moment—a moment I’ll never forget. It was a Saturday afternoon. I had just finished up work, the office was empty, and everything was running smoothly. I sat in my favorite chair in the office, the one that allowed me to view the entire office and the views outside the windows.

As I sat in that chair, I said to myself, I can’t believe I did it. What started from nothing but a thought four years earlier had grown into something more than I could’ve imagined. It felt great—for a moment. Then I thought about what it would take, in every sense, to keep it going.

I sat with that thought. I remember saying to myself, success sucks. It was a fleeting thought, but I remember it clearly because when I walked out of the office that day, without further conversation with myself, without really knowing it I had decided to close the brokerage. Thoughts are that powerful.

Here’s the other lesson I learned during that time: I didn’t need to be a real estate broker to be a real estate investor. That realization mattered because only other brokers truly understand what it takes to run a brokerage—the constant challenges from your team, colleagues, partners, and the political, economic, and community interests at play.

Honestly, no one appreciated the effort and hard work I was putting in—not my family, not my team, not my friends, not my partners, and not even the very community I was serving. What made it worse was the entitlement. I was expected to do business a certain way, in certain neighborhoods, at certain price points. And when I didn’t, even though I went out of my way to fight for the very people I was serving, they turned on me. The way they made my work harder than it needed to be was absurd. But still, I was successful. However, for me, success isn’t enough. Success isn’t my driver. I am enough. I am driven. I am self-made.

This is just a reminder to myself: I’m going to enjoy my snowy wonderland and eat on without guilt or any more survivor’s remorse. 😘🤫🫶🏾

Oddly, as I remember those days, Drake’s “Started From The Bottom” would get me through those days. Hmmm…nothing was the same! The reality is we can do both.

We can walk away from it all without quitting, without stopping.

Nothing is the same! 🏁

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