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.
