Eligio Bishop, better known as “Natureboy,” didn’t just promise a new way of life for people, he claimed to be a divine leader to the world.
As the self–proclaimed “Messiah” and “God returning” he urged Black people to leave
the U.S. for tropical environments, promoting veganism, polygamy, and a return to nature. Through “Carbon Nation,” his movement built on astrology, melanin theory, and environmental beliefs, he attracted young followers searching for meaning and a different way of life–but what they found wasn’t the tropical utopia they expected.
Followers traveled with Bishop to countries such as Honduras, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. “Carbon Nation” amassed a significant online presence through its YouTube channel, NatureboyTV, which had 94,000 subscribers, along with social media platforms totaling around 50,000 followers.
While some saw the group as a spiritual community, others labeled it a cult due to its strict rules on behavior, relationships, and personal freedom. What began as a movement promising enlightenment quickly turned into manipulation and control.
Bishop’s leadership became increasingly controversial, with allegations of financial exploitation, threats, and abuse surfacing from former members. Many reported that their disability checks and government aid were used to sustain the group, and livestreams revealed conflicts and staged drama designed to draw online donations.
Several ex-followers later came forward with testimonies. Jenaé Newell, one of them, initially believed she had consented to a relationship with Bishop, only to later realize she had been manipulated. Other ex-followers shared similar accounts of psychological and physical abuse. A death under unclear circumstances and the murder of another follower further fueled concerns.
In 2022, Bishop was arrested and later convicted of rape, false imprisonment, and revenge porn. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole, later claiming his prosecution was part of a larger conspiracy against Black men embracing spirituality.
The fall of “Carbon Nation” left many of its members struggling to rebuild their lives, seeking healing and unlearning the beliefs that once bound them to the group. Under new leadership, a few previous members made an effort to revive the movement’s goal. Others who had been influenced by him for years struggled to rejoin society due to the psychological effects. The wounds were too deep for some–a life once dedicated to “Carbon Nation” was tragically ended when follower Amaar Jawaid was killed in an unrelated incident after leaving the group.