Starmel is originally from Medina (East New York, Brooklyn). In 1995, he embraced the teachings of Allah and Justice in the Desert/Oasis (Rosedale, Queens). The Righteous Way trilogy shares his experience of growth and development within Allah’s Five Percent Nation which he has been involved in for over 26 years.

The Black Vote: Issues That Matter.

What do Black voters care about and want? Lessons learned from the history of Allah’s Five Percenters in New York City shines some light on issues of race and inequality in America. In this article, we briefly compare two former New York City Mayors – John V. Lindsay and Michael Bloomberg. As Michael Bloomberg, campaigns…

Police Encounters: Be Polite, Know Your Rights

If you find yourself in a police encounter – that is, being questioned by a police officer for any reason – remember to never give police the ammunition to shoot you with. Do not be rude, be polite, but I advise that you not volunteer information if you do not have to. Whether you are…

Reforming Hearts, Minds & Criminal Justice

Reforming the criminal justice system requires a sustained effort to reform people’s hearts and minds about justice. Shouldn’t justice include what happens after punishment? What about those who are wrongfully arrested and convicted? With all that is invested in punishment, shouldn’t there also be an investment to meet the needs of victims and offenders after…

History Renewed By Those Who Were There!

To those Five Percenters who where there, Peace and thank you! In some cultures, one person is chosen to continue the storytelling tradition. But in the unique Five Percent culture, the stories come from those who were there and are just and true. Like other cultures, our culture is rich with lessons, symbolism, and meaning.…

A Billionaire Lesson From Jay-Z: Do For Self

To be a billionaire, you must have a net worth of at least $1 billion. What separates billionaires from the rest of us is mindset. This mindset requires us to think deeply, have confidence, ambition, passion, creativity, and keeping good circle (cipher). If increasing net worth was a cake, these would be some of the…