Meet the Nerd In His Own Words: An Exclusive Interview with Brother Jamaal

This month, we are incredibly honored to introduce Brother Jamaal Shabazz as our Nerd of the Month — a true hero whose dedication to education, community upliftment, and cultural empowerment embodies what it means to be a proud nerd and a powerful changemaker.

To truly understand the heart and soul behind Brother Jamaal Shabazz’s impactful work, I had the privilege of sitting down with him for an intimate conversation. His words reveal a man shaped by adversity, driven by purpose, and committed to uplifting his community through education, history, and real-life mentorship. Here are some of his most candid reflections.

On Overcoming Personal Challenges and Finding Clarity

Brother Jamaal opened up about his early struggles, sharing, "Bad grades and all, I just needed less. I was learning disabled or impaired or something. Couldn't see... Everything was involved. It was like we just went blind." He chuckles softly, adding, "But then I put on glasses, and everything changed." That simple act symbolized more than just physical sight — it marked a turning point in his life. Jamaal emphasizes how crucial self-awareness and perseverance are: "Sometimes, you just need to see clearly to move forward. I had to learn to see myself, my potential, and my purpose."

On Roots, Heritage, and Family Connections

His deep connection to history and family is evident when he discusses his lineage. "He would technically be my great, great uncle. My mom's uncle," Jamaal explains, referring to a legendary figure in Black history he’s related to. "I knew about him before I knew the connection, but it just added another layer to my journey. Knowing where I come from fuels my passion to educate and empower others." This link to his ancestry inspires his work and reminds him of the importance of honoring our history.

On Inspiration Behind the Knowledge of Self

When I asked what motivated him to create the groundbreaking Knowledge of Self board game, Jamaal reflects, "Back in the day, we didn't have the digital age. I wanted to create something that our ancestors would have done if they had the technology — something that could teach, entertain, and empower at the same time." His vision was to bridge the gap between the past and present through innovative tools that make history accessible and engaging for all ages.

He also shares a humorous yet profound insight about his journey: "I joined the Army at 18, served almost five years, and always carried the mission of service in my heart. My work now is just another way of serving my community, especially our youth."

Brother Jamaal at Juneteenth Lecture in Indianapolis

On Being a Father Figure and Mentorship

Although Jamaal doesn’t have children of his own, he considers himself a father figure to many. "I've touched the lives of over a hundred children through my programs," he says with pride. "My goal is to be a guiding presence—someone who leads with love, integrity, and strength, especially for those who need it most." He emphasizes that mentorship isn’t just about teaching facts but about instilling confidence, pride, and consciousness.

On Resilience and Purpose

Jamaal's journey is a testament to resilience. He reflects, "Growing up without a father figure and battling learning difficulties made me realize how important it is to create your own path. I turned pain into purpose, and now I dedicate my life to helping others find theirs." His honesty about his struggles makes his accomplishments even more inspiring, showing that obstacles can be catalysts for greatness.

On Future Visions and Continuing the Mission

Looking ahead, Jamaal shares excitement about his upcoming projects, including an animated series. Despite juggling multiple jobs and responsibilities, his commitment remains unwavering: "My mission is to uplift, educate, and empower. Every step I take is for the next generation to understand their greatness and potential."

He concludes with heartfelt gratitude: "Thank you for trusting me, for your patience, and for believing in this vision. I hope my story inspires others to push through their own challenges and to see the power within themselves."

A Reflection of True Leadership and Resilience

This interview offers a rare window into the man behind the movement — a leader fueled by personal experience, rooted in history, and driven by an unshakeable belief in the potential of his community. Jamaal’s honesty, humility, and unwavering dedication remind us all that true greatness often stems from overcoming adversity and staying committed to a higher purpose.

Brother Jamaal Shabazz exemplifies what it means to be a true nerd — someone who values knowledge, culture, and community above all else. His journey from hardship to hero inspires us all to stay committed to our purpose and to uplift those around us. We’re proud to feature him as our Nerd of the Month — a trailblazer, educator, and community hero. His story will be shared at the end of the month, and we encourage everyone to support his ongoing work and future projects.

Thank you, Jamaal, for your patience, your humility, and your relentless pursuit of justice and truth. We are grateful for your leadership and vision.

Follow Jamaal’s journey and support his work: Brother Jamaal's Instagram