Introduction

The story of the transatlantic slave trade, which lasted over 200 years, is marked by two important events: the arrival of the White Lion in 1619 and the discovery of the Clotilda’s remains in 2019. These events represent the beginning and end of a dark period in history when millions of Africans were forcibly taken to the Americas and suffered under slavery. Despite this painful history, there is also a story of hope and renewal. At the heart of this story is Jamaica, often called the “Island of the Sea,” which is seen as a leader in moving toward a future of wealth and empowerment for people of African descent. This vision has been greatly advanced by Dr. Oliver Jones, a Jamaican leader who founded SourceEnergy Group to create a path toward sustainable development and prosperity.

The White Lion (Alpha) and Jamaica’s Early Role

The White Lion is known as one of the first English ships to bring enslaved Africans to the English colonies in North America. In August 1619, it arrived at Point Comfort, Virginia, with about 20-30 Africans who had been taken from a Portuguese slave ship, the San Juan Bautista. This event is often seen as the beginning of African slavery in what would later become the United States.

Before reaching Virginia, the White Lion stopped in Jamaica, an island that would later become a major center for the slave trade under British rule. This early stop in Jamaica is important because it represents one of the first points of contact for Africans brought to the Americas. As the “Island of the Sea,” Jamaica plays a key role in the story of the African diaspora, symbolizing both the suffering of the past and the hope for a better future.

The Clotilda (Omega) and its Rediscovery in 2019

The Clotilda is known as the last slave ship to bring enslaved Africans to the United States. It arrived illegally in Mobile, Alabama, in 1860, many years after the U.S. had banned the importation of enslaved people. To hide their crime, the crew burned the ship after it arrived.

For many years, the story of the Clotilda was mostly a mystery, known only through stories passed down by word of mouth and old records. In 2019, the remains of the Clotilda were found in the Mobile River, nearly 400 years after the arrival of the White Lion. This discovery marks the “Omega,” or end, of the transatlantic slave trade, serving as an important moment of closure and a renewed commitment to remembering and understanding this painful part of history.

Genesis 15:13-14 and the Vision of Renewal

In this historical context, the biblical prophecy found in Genesis 15:13-14 has deep meaning for many in the African diaspora. The passage says:

“Then the Lord said to Abram, ‘Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward, they will come out with great possessions.'”

This prophecy has been seen by many as a powerful metaphor for the African experience during and after the transatlantic slave trade. The mention of a 400-year period aligns closely with the timeline from 1619, when the White Lion arrived, to the present day, suggesting a spiritual and historical connection that many see as a sign of coming transformation and renewal.

Dr. Oliver Jones and the SourceEnergy Group: A Vision for the Future

In 2019, recognizing the importance of this moment and the prophetic alignment with a 400-year journey, Dr. Oliver Jones, a Jamaican visionary, founded SourceEnergy Group to create a new path toward sustainable development and prosperity for the African diaspora. The group was established to combine Energy, Technology, Community, and Education in a way that promotes a balanced and sustainable way to create wealth. This approach goes beyond just making money and focuses on ethical decisions, community well-being, and taking care of the environment.

SourceEnergy Group includes several important parts, each helping to achieve its goal of transformation and renewal. The SourceEnergy Foundation and SourceEnergy Global were created before 2019, focusing on community development, education, and supporting sustainable practices. In 2019, on the 400th anniversary of the White Lion’s landing at Point Comfort, Dr. Jones expanded this vision by creating SourceEnergy Bank & Trust and SourceEnergy Capital.

SourceEnergy Bank & Trust and SourceEnergy Capital: Leading Sustainable Finance

SourceEnergy Bank & Trust and SourceEnergy Capital were created in 2019 to lead the way in sustainable finance, focusing on ethical banking and investments that help people and the environment. These organizations aim to redefine wealth by linking financial growth with positive social and environmental impacts. Under Dr. Jones’s leadership, these entities support projects and businesses that align with the principles of the Wealth Ecology Model, which promotes an ecosystem where financial success is connected to the well-being of communities and the planet.

Accomplishments of SourceEnergy Group to Date

Since its creation, SourceEnergy Group has achieved many accomplishments in promoting sustainable development and empowering communities. Some of the notable achievements include:

1. Founding of SourceEnergy Bank & Trust and SourceEnergy Capital: These entities have led the way in sustainable finance by investing in green energy projects, supporting community development, and offering financial services that prioritize ethical investments.
2. Launch of the SEG Sacred Trust Fund: This innovative fund supports renewable energy projects and sustainable development initiatives across the African diaspora and beyond, aligning with the group’s mission to promote balanced wealth creation.
3. Creation of Community Development Entities (CDEs): SourceEnergy Group has developed CDEs in Opportunity Zones, which combine incubators, makerspaces, pre-accelerators, and industrial parks to boost local economies and promote entrepreneurship.
4. Promotion of Renewable Energy: Through its various entities, SourceEnergy Group has invested in renewable energy projects, including Energy Hubs that generate clean energy and contribute to the grid, showing a commitment to environmental sustainability.
5. Educational and Cultural Initiatives: The SourceEnergy Foundation has supported many educational programs and cultural initiatives aimed at empowering communities, preserving heritage, and fostering a deeper understanding of the African diaspora’s history and contributions.
6. Partnerships and Collaborations: SourceEnergy Group has formed strategic partnerships with organizations and institutions worldwide, enhancing its ability to implement sustainable development projects and expand its impact on a global scale.

Jamaica’s Role as the “Island of the Sea”

As the “Island of the Sea,” Jamaica plays a key role in this vision of renewal. As a major center of the transatlantic slave trade and a place of important cultural and historical development, Jamaica represents both the suffering of the past and the potential for a better future. The idea that Jamaica will “lead the way back to great wealth” reflects its role in redefining wealth beyond just financial prosperity to include cultural, social, and spiritual aspects.

Jamaica’s influence reaches far beyond its shores. The island has long been a symbol of resistance, culture, and innovation, producing globally recognized music, sports figures, and leaders. This cultural strength positions Jamaica as a leader in a broader movement toward reclaiming wealth and identity, serving as a model for the African diaspora in the quest for empowerment and self-determination.

A New Path Forward: The Wealth Ecology Model

The journey from the beginning with the White Lion to the end marked by the Clotilda’s discovery is not just a story of loss and suffering but also one of resilience, survival, and hope. This journey aligns with the principles of the Wealth Ecology Model, a framework created by Dr. Jones that integrates Energy, Technology, Community, and Education to foster sustainable development. The model promotes a holistic approach to wealth that goes beyond financial accumulation to include ethical decision-making, community well-being, and environmental sustainability.

By embracing the Wealth Ecology Model, Jamaica and other nations within the African diaspora can move toward a new era of prosperity that honors the past while looking to the future. This approach requires a commitment to education, technological innovation, community development, and sustainable energy practices, all of which are important parts of the Wealth Ecology Model.

Conclusion

The stories of the White Lion and the Clotilda, combined with the prophecy of Genesis and the promise of Jamaica’s leadership, offer a powerful narrative of hope and transformation. The discovery of the Clotilda’s remains in 2019 serves as a symbolic closure to the 400-year-long chapter that began with the White Lion, marking a transition from a past defined by slavery and oppression to a future of empowerment and renewal.

Dr. Oliver Jones, as a visionary leader, has positioned Jamaica and the African diaspora on a path toward sustainable wealth and prosperity through the principles of the Wealth Ecology Model. The founding of SourceEnergy Group, with its diverse entities including SourceEnergy Foundation, SourceEnergy Global, SourceEnergy Bank & Trust, and SourceEnergy Capital, represents a comprehensive approach to fostering sustainable development. The group’s achievements, including pioneering sustainable finance, promoting renewable energy, and supporting educational initiatives, show a strong commitment to connecting the past with a forward-looking vision of renewal.

By embracing this model, we can work towards a world where wealth is not just about financial success but about creating a balanced ecosystem that supports every aspect of human life. This is the vision of renewal and prosperity that Jamaica and the broader African diaspora can lead, turning the pain of the past into a beacon of hope for the future.