Contact:
Dr. Oliver E. Jones
Email: Oliver@SourceEnergyGlobal.com
Phone: ###-###-####

Dr. Oliver E. Jones Receives the President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award

Hampton, VA – January 2025 – Dr. Oliver E. Jones, a renowned educator, leader, and advocate for sustainability, has been awarded the President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his lifetime commitment to volunteerism, education, and community empowerment. This distinguished honor celebrates Dr. Jones’ groundbreaking work through the Wealth Ecology Model, which integrates energy, technology, community, and education to create sustainable opportunities.

Dr. Jones was presented with this prestigious award at the 43rd Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Breakfast, hosted by the Caucus of African American Leaders in Annapolis, Maryland, on January 20, 2025. The event highlighted his remarkable contributions to advancing equity and uplifting communities across the United States.

A Family Legacy of Service

Dr. Jones’ family also shares his passion for service. His wife, Dawne Jones, and children—Damon, Olivia, Octavia, and Olesia—have dedicated themselves to impactful initiatives, with his three daughters also recently receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) for their outstanding efforts in youth empowerment, health advocacy, and creative mentorship.

“This award is not mine alone—it belongs to my family, my community, and everyone who has supported me on this journey. My late father, Robert Jones, instilled in me the values of hard work and integrity, while my mother, Yvonne Jones, has been my guiding light. My siblings—Fitzroy, Arlene, and Sheila—have always stood by me, and I am grateful for their support,” said Dr. Jones.

Transformative Work in the United States

Dr. Jones’ award reflects his decades of service, including:

• Hampton University: Over 10 years of teaching and mentoring students, where he introduced the Wealth Ecology Model, inspiring future leaders to integrate sustainability and equity into their careers.
• Heart of Tabitha Foundation: Supporting literacy initiatives for children, fostering a love of learning and empowering young minds.
• Community Development: Establishing Community Development Entities (CDEs) in Opportunity Zones across the U.S., creating jobs, advancing renewable energy access, and revitalizing underserved areas.

Jamaican Roots and Marcus Garvey’s Inspiration

Growing up in Jamaica, Dr. Jones was deeply influenced by the teachings of Marcus Garvey, who inspired him to “emancipate ourselves from mental slavery” and embrace self-reliance and empowerment. This foundation shaped his vision to create a legacy of sustainable development that uplifts underserved communities.

Quote from Dr. Jones

“This award is a profound honor, but it is also a reminder that the work of service is never done. As my father often said, ‘Legacy is not what you leave for people; it’s what you leave in people.’ I am committed to continuing this journey, empowering individuals and communities through education, sustainability, and equity,” said Dr. Jones.

About Dr. Oliver E. Jones

Dr. Oliver E. Jones is the inventor of the Wealth Ecology Model, Chairman of SourceEnergy Group, and a professor at Hampton University. With over 10,000 hours of volunteer service, his work spans renewable energy, education, and community development. His dedication to service has transformed lives and left an indelible mark on communities in the United States and beyond.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Oliver E. Jones
Email: Oliver@SourceEnergyGlobal.com
Phone: ###-###-####

When one thinks of the African diaspora, Jamaica often comes to mind, thanks in large part to the influence of Jamaicans outside the Caribbean island. From the 1960s onwards, Jamaicans have sought to make a global impact across a wide range of areas, from music, food and culture to education, business and politics.

By exploring the impact of Jamaicans in the African diaspora, one can see the unique ways in which they have sought to both shape and be shaped by the cultures they encounter. Music, in particular, has been a major point of connection for Jamaicans, as Jamaican reggae, rocksteady and other music styles have achieved worldwide success.

In business and politics, Jamaicans have played a key role in shaping policies and fostering economic development in countries throughout the African diaspora. In education, Jamaicans have been instrumental in promoting initiatives and resources aimed at empowering African diaspora communities.

The positive economic impacts of the Jamaican diaspora in the US can be seen in numerous ways. According to the 2016 American Community Survey, there are approximately 520,680 Jamaicans living in the US. These Jamaicans have a strong economic presence in the US, although the majority of them are concentrated in the states of Florida and New York, the two states with the largest Jamaican populations in the US. Additionally, many Jamaicans are spread out across the US, with notable populations in the states of Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Illinois, and California. 

As such, the Jamaican diaspora has had a strong positive impact in the US economy. According to the Migration Policy Institute, Jamaicans in the US earned approximately $11.5 billion in wages in 2016 and $5.7 billion are paid in taxes. The income earned accounted for 0.5 percent of all income earned by Caribbean migrants in the US. This is an important factor as it shows that Jamaicans are contributing a large contribution to the US economy. 

In addition to the economic contribution made by the Jamaican diaspora in the US, Jamaicans have also had a strong impact on the industries of labor and businesses in the US. According to the US Census Bureau, Jamaicans are more likely to be employed in blue collar workers in the US, such as chefs, bakers, food preparation and cleaning workers, and waiters and waitresses. These industries have become increasingly important as the US economy has become more service-based. Additionally, businesses owned by Jamaicans have had a positive impact on the US economy, creating jobs and contributing to local economies. 

Jamaicans in the global African diaspora have also been central to the dynamic artistic and cultural exchanges that have been catalyzed by the internet era. From dancehall to Afro-beat, Jamaican influences have been pervasive in a wide range of globalized music genres. Jamaican-born reggae star Damien Marley, for instance, has achieved global success with a sound informed by his Jamaican heritage and the Afro-Caribbean diaspora.

Overall, Jamaican people, culture and influence have played a crucial role in the global African diaspora for many decades. The influence of Jamaicans in the African diaspora has connected and united various cultures, showing the possibility of transcultural understanding and collaboration, and contributing to a global African identity and experience.

The Church can have a powerful and positive impact on the economic development of underserved communities:

1. With the help of volunteers, the Church can host events for local entrepreneurs and small business owners to provide resources and knowledge.
2. Through workshops and seminars, churches can provide information to help potential business owners and entrepreneurs start their business, find financing, navigate the legal system, and foster networking connections.
3. Churches can also provide access to capital to help facilitate the dreams of entrepreneurs and business owners.
4. By connecting with local businesses, the Church can promote job growth and career development programs in underserved communities.
5. Additionally, the Church can help to build bridges between residents and outside organizations to bring in diverse and innovative ideas.
6. Finally, the Church can provide a space for distrbuting skills and training to those that need it, helping to create a mor meaningful and sustainable economy.

1. Establish the Program Goals: The goal of the Rent to Wealth program is to provide assistance to low-income families to help them become self-sufficient and achieve financial independence. The assistance should be geared towards helping families become homeowners, create additional income through entrepreneurship or property investments, or to help them save and build wealth over time.
2. Design the Program Elements: The program should include elements that help families become educated on financial literacy and best practices to assist them in building wealth. These elements should allow the participant to receive immediate assistance through access to low-interest loans, rent payment assistance, and other financial services. The program should also include asset building components so that participant’s assets increase over time, such as matched savings accounts and grants for education or business start-up.
3. Identify Program Participants: The program should target low-income families who are at risk for economic instability. This could include those living in poverty, those at risk of eviction, those that are unemployed, underemployed, or those with limited financial resources.
4. Establish Partner Organizations: Partner organizations should be identified that can provide assistance such as housing, legal, financial, and other job related services in order to ensure that all participants receive comprehensive support. These partnerships should also be designed to sustain the program over time.
5. Implement Evaluation Measures: Evaluation measures should be established to assess the program’s effectiveness and track the progress of participants to understand which elements are successful and need to be modified and adjusted as needed.

The unbanked population in the United States is estimated to be around 8.4 million. This represents an economically disadvantaged segment of the population since they have limited access to financial institutions and are often vulnerable to financial exploitation. This lack of access to financial services can negatively impact the finances of individuals in this population, resulting in losses in their potential for economic growth that could be mitigated with access to banking services.

The economic analysis of unbanked individuals in the United States must take into account several factors, including income, age, racial/ethnic background, and geographic location. Income is an important factor, as it impacts the ability to access banking services and may be a factor in the decision to remain unbanked. The poverty level has an impact on the number of unbanked individuals in the country, as those below the poverty line are more likely to remain unbanked. Age also plays a role, since older individuals may have a lower propensity to access banking services.

Geographic location can be a major factor in the number of unbanked individuals in a particular area, as some states have higher concentrations of unbanked individuals than others. Racial/ethnic background is a major factor, as African-Americans and Hispanics are more likely to be unbanked than other groups. In addition to these factors, the availability of financial services in a particular area can also limit access to banking services, contributing to the unbanked population.

Finally, there are also economic costs associated with being unbanked. These include higher fees for services, such as check cashing and money transfers, that those with bank accounts may not have to pay. Unbanked individuals can also incur extra costs from the lack of access to financing options, such as car loans or credit cards. This lack of access to these financial services can limit their ability to build wealth, as well as their ability to take advantage of economic opportunities.

Overall, the economic analysis of the unbanked in the United States indicates that access to banking services can have a significant impact on economic growth and opportunity. Access to banking services can reduce poverty levels, increase savings, and expand access to financial services. In addition, access to banking services can provide economic opportunities and help individuals build wealth. Ultimately, increasing access to banking services and reducing the unbanked population in the United States is essential to improving economic outcomes for all.

The Caribbean diaspora in the United States has had a major impact on the U.S. economy, particularly through the remittances sent from family members living in the U.S. back to their home countries. Remittance inflows from the diaspora of many Caribbean countries have increased drastically in recent years, with some countries such as Haiti, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic among the most important recipients.

Remittance flows have been used extensively over the past decade to support development projects. For example, remittances from the Caribbean diaspora help support education, health-care services and access to energy for rural households in the region. They have also been used to promote entrepreneurship, with remittances investments being increasingly leveraged for small business support and to fund start-ups.

The Caribbean diaspora has also had an impact on the U.S. economy through its buying power. According to the U.S. Department of State, Caribbean diaspora households in the U.S. had a higher median income than the overall U.S. population ($44,073 compared with $30,486). This means they are more likely to make higher-value purchases that generate more spending in the economy.

In addition, Caribbean diaspora members often exhibit higher levels of education and professional skills than the U.S. average. This has provided a valuable source of human capital for the U.S. economy, with the Caribbean diaspora making up a major component of the health care, finance and engineering industries in the U.S.

Overall, the economic impact of the Caribbean diaspora in the United States has been overwhelmingly positive. Through its investment, households and human capital, the diaspora has enriched the U.S. economy and made it more competitive on the global stage.

The Jamaican diaspora in the United States has been steadily increasing since the early 20th century, and today, it is estimated that over 600,000 Jamaican-Americans live in the United States. The diaspora has made significant economic contributions to the US economy, particularly in the areas of entrepreneurship and international trade.

Business & Entrepreneurship: The Jamaican diaspora is a strong force for entrepreneurship in the US economy. Jamaican-Americans have started many businesses in the United States, from small mom-and-pop stores to larger business ventures. This has increased job opportunities and economic growth in areas with significant Jamaican-American populations. Additionally, many Jamaican-American entrepreneurs have invested in their local communities, creating educational and social programs that help improve their lives and the lives of those around them.

International Trade: Over recent decades, Jamaican-Americans have established strong trade links between the United States and Jamaica. The diaspora has helped facilitate the exchange of goods and services between the two countries, boosting both economies. Jamaican-Americans have also been instrumental in driving investment into the Jamaican economy, providing much needed capital and expertise to developing countries.

Community Impact: The Jamaican diaspora has also had a significant positive impact on US communities. Jamaican-Americans are often heavily involved in their local schools and churches, providing inspiring role models to young people and creating valuable networks of support. In addition, Jamaican-Americans often work to improve the neighborhoods in which they live, hosting events and creating meaningful social connections with others in their area.

Overall, the economic impact of the Jamaican diaspora in the United States has been overwhelmingly positive. The diaspora has been a driving force for entrepreneurship, international trade, and community development, all of which have contributed to economic growth and improved lives for numerous people in the United States.

Marcus Garvey (1887–1940) was an international leader of African liberation, a pan-Africanist, and one of the founders of the modern Black nationalist movement. His teachings and ideas influenced countless generations of African peoples everywhere, including influencing economic practices and strategies. This report examines the impact of Marcus Garvey on global economics, both during his lifetime and in the decades since.

During his lifetime, Marcus Garvey inspired a massive wave of Black self-empowerment and economic freedom. Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) endorsed a “Back to Africa” movement that popularized the idea of repatriation for African Americans in the United States, with hundreds of thousands of members across the US, South America, and the Caribbean. According to historical experts, Garvey’s “far-reaching” movement provided “visions of African unity and solidarity” invigorating people in the West Indies, South America, and Africa to create cooperative business structures and communal projects.

Garvey was also an early proponent of Black economic enterprise. He advocated for the creation of “Black industrial, agricultural, commercial and financial organizations” that could compete with the large monopolies and trusts of the day. Garvey launched the 1922 Black Star Line—the only Black-owned and operated steamship line—which provided Black people with a means of obtaining supplies, education, and resources around the world. He also founded the Black Trade Union convention and established several other publications and businesses, all of which promoted Black economic self-sufficiency and aided Black people in establishing businesses and controlling their own economic destiny.

The economic impact of Garvey’s work is still evident today. His organizations like the UNIA still exist and continue to advocate for Black economic independence and redistribution of resources. The Black Star Line inspired early organizations promoting Black business and the cooperative and entrepreneurial spirit Garvey cultivated continues in many of today’s African Diaspora countries. Garvey’s movement and organizations have also provided a platform to facilitate aid and resources among African nations and to organize pooling of communal resources to address global economic issues.

In conclusion, Marcus Garvey was a revolutionary Black leader who influenced economic practices in both the United States and Africa. His “Back to Africa” movement inspired self-reliance and encouraged pooling of resources among African Americans seeking economic independence.

Introduction
Real estate trusts and family trusts are two of the most powerful vehicles available for accumulating and preserving generational wealth. By allowing assets to pass from one generation to the next, these two types of trusts can be used to protect and maximize wealth for future generations. This report outlines the key characteristics of real estate and family trusts, provides an overview of the advantages of using these vehicles to create wealth, and explains how they can be employed to structure estates.

What Are Real Estate Trusts and Family Trusts?
Real estate trusts are legal entities that allow individuals or organizations (trustees) to hold real estate assets on behalf of beneficiaries. These assets can include residential property and investment properties, as well as other real estate assets such as land and commercial properties. Trustees are obligated to hold and manage the assets for the benefit of the beneficiaries, ensuring that the trust’s goals are met.

Family trusts are similar to real estate trusts, but they are created to manage and protect family assets, such as investments or wealth that is intended to be passed down to future generations. By establishing a trust and appointing a trustee, assets can be distributed to beneficiaries in accordance with the wishes of the grantor.

Advantages of Using Real Estate Trusts and Family Trusts

Real estate trusts and family trusts offer a variety of advantages to those looking to create generational wealth. These include:

• Asset Protection: By transferring assets into a trust, grantors can protect their investments from creditors, lawsuits and other forms of litigation. Trusts also allow for more control over assets, allowing for a more tailored approach to managing them.

• Protection from Taxes: Real estate trusts and family trusts may be exempt from certain forms of federal, state, and local taxation. This can provide the grantor with substantial tax savings.

• Avoiding Probate: Transferring assets into a trust allows for a quick and straightforward transfer of assets to beneficiaries upon the grantor’s death, bypassing a costly and lengthy probate process.

• Benefit from Professional Management: By appointing a trustee (who can be a professional manager) to manage the trust, owners can ensure that the trust’s assets are managed in the most efficient and effective manner.

• Security of Assets: All assets held by trusts are secure and are inaccessible by third parties unless specified in the trust documents.

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1. Establish Objectives: Establish the goal for creating the real estate investment trust (REIT). Consider income production, capital preservation, or appreciation of the REIT, and design the structure and type of REIT accordingly.
2. Develop the Entity: Structure the REIT as either a publicly traded corporation or a non-traded limited liability company. Determine the rights and obligations of the shareholders and their shares, the board of directors and its powers, and the officers and their authority.
3. Regulate Financial Activity: Construct a panel of independent trustees to monitor and approve any financial transactions and activities. Provide a fiscal reporting system and a system of checks and balances to ensure the transparency of all real estate investments.
4. Identify and Develop Properties: Create a comprehensive plan for the selection, acquisition, and promotion of properties in the trust to ensure a diverse portfolio.
5. Capitalize and Fund the Venture: Solicit capital from investors who will own interests in the REIT in exchange for ownership. Categorize assets and identify associated liabilities, as well as income and expenses. Establish a marketing and investor management program to raise capital, as well as solicit and manage tenant leases.
6. Structure the Trust Property: Establish an organizational and legal structure for each piece of real estate in the trust. Detailed and specific structural guidelines should be established to ensure the trust adheres to all federal, state, and local laws.
7. Monitor Performance: Create ongoing systems to monitor results, track performance, review performance discrepancies, and adjust management strategies.

Creating a successful real estate investment trust requires careful structure and planning. By establishing clear objectives, managing financial transactions and activities, selecting quality investments, and establishing a strategic management program, real estate developers and investors can maximize the success of their trust.