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My story isn’t just about my journey as a Black polymath; it’s a living archive, an embodiment of rare African Haplogroups—yDNA E-Z6018 and mtDNA L3e2b1a. This genetic lineage traces back to slaves historically recognized in Texas and powers a range of talents that go beyond mere athleticism.

Born and raised in Amarillo, Texas, I was always different. With an eidetic memory, synesthesia, and Asperger’s Syndrome, I stood out as a unique individual. Whether I was turning an ordinary stone into an intricate depiction of a cheetah in the third grade or envisioning future technologies, my gifts have been a constant force in my life. My late mother referred to this as my special “JuJu.”

In my genealogical quest, I discovered that the Yoruba term for “JuJu” is “Oogun.” Drawing parallels with Yoruba spirituality, a Babalawo—a spiritual guide in Yoruba culture—uses “Oogun” in ways similar to how my unique abilities serve as my “Jedi Powers” in the realm of polymaths.

“Awakening the Babalawo” is more than an eBook; it’s an interactive realm powered by Meta’s LLaMA 2—Meta’s cutting-edge software for natural language understanding and complex reasoning. For those unfamiliar, LLaMA 2 allows the narrative to unfold dynamically, guided by user choices and interactions.

My spiritual journey led me to the Yoruba concept of “Oogun,” and I’ve become what is known as a Babalawo in Yoruba culture—a spiritual guide proficient in the Ifa divination system, or in simpler terms, a Yoruba Jedi.

How am I Doing it?

Technical Integration with LLaMA 2:

For the uninitiated, LLaMA 2 (Language Model for Many Applications) is our choice for natural language understanding and complex reasoning within this interactive eBook project. While GPT-based models like ChatGPT offer robust conversational capabilities, LLaMA 2 provides an enhanced feature set that allows for better contextual understanding and dynamic storytelling. This creates a more immersive, nuanced user experience, making it particularly suited for exploring the complexities of being a Black polymath with a rare genetic makeup.

The technical infrastructure will be as follows:

  • Local macOS Hosting: The first-generation Mac mini M1 will initially host LLaMA 2. This setup will be facilitated by a PHP proxy to manage API communications, ensuring smooth interaction between the backend and frontend.
  • WordPress REST API for Frontend: We’re leveraging WordPress’ REST API to power frontend interactivity. This enables seamless UI/UX, as WordPress provides a robust and flexible platform for content management.
  • Enhanced Security Measures: Due to the more extensive parameter count and capabilities of LLaMA 2, we’ll be implementing stringent security protocols. This will safeguard both user data and the integrity of the platform, preventing unauthorized access and data breaches.

In summary, the integration with LLaMA 2 allows us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in storytelling, offering a dynamic and engaging experience that GPT-based models might not fully encapsulate.

Next Steps:

  1. Technical Setup: Configure macOS to host LLaMA 2 and develop the PHP function for API proxy.
  2. API Integration: Integrate and test WordPress REST API.
  3. Content Mapping: Outline the storyline and touchpoints.
  4. Design & UX: Create a wireframe, then bring it to life through UI/UX design.
  5. Prototyping: Develop a functional prototype.
  6. Beta Testing: Test for technical stability and user engagement.
  7. Data Security: Implement advanced security measures.
  8. Launch Planning: Develop and initiate marketing strategies.
  9. Soft & Official Launch: Roll out the eBook in phases, making necessary adjustments.

For hardware, I’ll start with my existing first-generation Mac mini M1, but will later transition to a Mac mini M1 Pro Deep Learning standalone machine, which is optimized to run LLaMA 2 and other Ai Deep Learning tools.

Transition to Mac mini M1 Pro:

  1. Initial Setup: Continue using the first-gen Mac mini M1.
  2. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluate LLaMA 2 performance.
  3. Upgrade to M1 Pro: Tailor configurations to project needs.
  4. OS & Software Transition: Update macOS and transfer LLaMA 2.
  5. Performance Benchmarking: Compare enhancements.

Funding Strategy

To financially fuel this endeavor, we’ll seek a mix of grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic contributions, ensuring both the project’s longevity and its alignment with artistic and philanthropic goals.

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