Jahkil

Best-Selling Author | Student Athlete | Motivational Speaker | Philanthropist | Influencer

As Seen On:

The Kid

Jahkil Jackson is a 2-time best-selling author, youth philanthropist, social entrepreneur, student-athlete, and the founder of Project I Am, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization he launched at just 8 years old to raise awareness about homelessness. Inspired after helping his aunt distribute food to unhoused individuals in Chicago, Jahkil turned his concern into action—igniting a global movement led by youth.

Now 17, Jahkil has been recognized by President Barack Obama as one of the world’s most influential changemakers. At age 10, he was featured in Forbes Magazine, and since then, he has remained dedicated to helping individuals experiencing homelessness while inspiring his peers to lead with purpose.

Under Jahkil’s leadership, Project I Am has raised over $650,000 and impacted more than 200,000 people globally. The organization distributes "Blessing Bags"—care packages filled with essentials like socks, deodorant, hand sanitizer, granola bars, toothpaste, and water. With over 3,000 youth changemakers mobilized around the world, Blessing Bags have reached communities across the U.S. (Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta), and internationally in Ghana, Swaziland, India, London, and disaster-stricken areas such as Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Guatemala. The organization has also expanded with youth-led branches in France, Spain, and Toronto.

Jahkil has served as a youth ambassador for organizations including Heartland Alliance, WE International Youth Council, and Independent Youth Group, and he currently serves as a Giving Tuesday Spark Leader. He’s been honored as a CNN Hero Young Wonder, a Marvel Hero, and a Red Cross Youth Hero, and recognized in BET’s 15 Under 15.

In addition to his philanthropic work, Jahkil has collaborated with brands including Nike, the NBA, The Gap, Invisalign, and the Obama Foundation. As part of Crate & Kids’ Youth Activist initiative, he successfully pitched a custom pillow line in partnership with Crate & Barrel—channeling proceeds back into his mission.

From the court to the community, Jahkil continues to lead with heart, proving that young people can create powerful, lasting change.

Media

Athlete

Check Me Out

Jahkil Jackson has been an avid basketball player since the age of 4 when he got his start in the French Fry League. As a 6’3 Combo Guard, Jahkil has been deemed one of the most creative players to watch. Jahkil is looking forward to his future in basketball.

Speaking

Jahkil Jackson is an award-winning youth speaker, two-time best-selling author, social entrepreneur, and student-athlete whose voice is redefining what leadership looks like for the next generation.

Named a “Social Entrepreneur to Look Out For” by Forbes and recognized by President Barack Obama as one of the most influential young changemakers, Jahkil brings powerful energy, real-life experience, and peer-to-peer relatability to every stage he steps on. He has inspired tens of thousands across the country, sharing his message of service, resilience, and youth empowerment.

Jahkil has spoken at over 75 schools and organizations nationwide and internationally. As a 2022 TEDx presenter, a 2019 CNN Hero: Young Wonder, and a featured changemaker on Marvel’s Hero Project, Jahkil has proven his ability to move and motivate crowds of all ages. One of his standout moments includes speaking to 15,000+ students at WE Day Illinois, one of the world’s largest youth empowerment events.

He has also been invited to speak by major corporations and national platforms including:

The NBA
Gatorade
Taco Bell Foundation
Ernst & Young
John Hope Reconciliation Center
National Minority Business Economic Forum
Young Entrepreneur Institute
Social Enterprise Alliance

Whether he’s addressing middle school students, educators, or business leaders, Jahkil’s story resonates. His delivery is rooted in passion, authenticity, and action, making him a favorite among youth and adults alike.

To meet growing demand, Jahkil created the Don’t Wait To Be Great Social Entrepreneurship Workshop Series — a dynamic program that fuses community service and business principles to help youth discover purpose and create real-world impact.

Books

"Best-selling author, 16-year-old Jahkil Jackson’s second book “Don’t Wait To Be Great” tells the story of Jahkil’s journey of being a student athlete and becoming one of the country’s top youth social entrepreneurs by creating Project I Am NFP to build awareness to homelessness. “Don’t Wait To Be Great” brings community service and entrepreneurship together to inspire and educate young readers on the importance of philanthropy and entrepreneurship. “Don’t Wait To Be Great” mobilizes youth to engage in efforts to achieve major social objectives, including employment creation, poverty reduction, inclusion and integration."

$15.99 Autographed Copy

Built Different is a motivational guide for young adults, written by Jahkil Jackson, that blends real-life stories, honest reflection, and practical advice to help youth navigate life, leadership, and purpose. Drawing from his experiences as a student-athlete, entrepreneur, and changemaker, Jahkil offers insight into handling pressure, finding your passion, pushing through setbacks, and staying focused in a world full of distractions. With a powerful message of resilience, self-belief, and service, Built Different reminds readers that they don’t have to wait to be great — they already have what it takes to lead, inspire, and thrive.

Buy Now on Amazon

“The best-selling children’s book “I Am” helps kids learn kindness and empathy. “I AM” also implements values that can help with navigating being bullied and build a strong sense of self-worth. Complete with a self-affirmation exercise, this book is a creative display of how to have belief in oneself and to not be concerned with negative influences of the world."

Buy "I Am" on Amazon

Philanthropy

Learn More

In just a few short years, Jahkil has led Project I Am in raising over $650,000 to support people experiencing homelessness around the world. Through his leadership, the organization has impacted more than 200,000 men, women, and children by distributing Blessing Bags filled with essential items like toiletries, snacks, and water. With the help of friends, family, and dedicated volunteers, Jahkil has facilitated distributions across major U.S. cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Oklahoma, and more — as well as internationally, reaching orphans in Swaziland and Ghana, volcano victims in Guatemala, and hurricane survivors in the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Florida, and Houston.

A passionate advocate for youth service, Jahkil has inspired and mobilized over 3,000 young changemakers across 80+ cities and multiple countries, including France, London, Canada, India, and Hong Kong. Together, they’ve created and delivered over 50,000 Blessing Bags to individuals in need. As a motivational speaker and community leader, Jahkil is committed to empowering the next generation to lead with purpose — encouraging young people everywhere to find their passion, take action, and make a real difference in the world.

Collabs

Micro-Influencer Jahkil Jackson has built a trustworthy and relatable brand. Collaborate with Jahkil and create a big impact for your brand!

Young King Presents: Royal Cover Star

Nasa Clip

Nike: The Drop Off

Crate & Barrel

Nike: Air Max

Next Gen Gap

Nike: Can’t Stop Our Voice

Marvel Hero Project

Nike: Until We All Win

Collab with Jahkil

Merch

To encourage others to do their best at whatever they do, Jahkil created Trophies By Naeem, a line of shirts, hoodies and pillows. A portion of the proceeds from Trophies By Naeem goes to support Project I Am.

Don’t Wait To Buy