Jahkil Jackson has spent more than half his life proving that you don’t have to wait until adulthood to make a difference.
At just 8 years old, Jahkil founded Project I Am with a simple mission: to help people experiencing homelessness feel seen, supported, and cared for. What began with 88 “Blessing Bags” filled with essential items has grown into a global youth-led movement that has impacted more than 250,000 people and engaged more than 3,000 young changemakers in service.
Now 19, Jahkil is a three-time best-selling author, social entrepreneur, motivational speaker, mentor, college student-athlete, and advocate who continues to use his platform to inspire the next generation to lead with purpose.
His journey has earned national and international recognition, including being recognized by President Barack Obama for his work as a young changemaker and receiving honors as a CNN Hero Young Wonder, Marvel Hero, and Red Cross Youth Hero. His story and service have been featured by The New York Times, Forbes, Essence, BET, and other media outlets around the world.
Through Project I Am, Jahkil has helped raise nearly $1 million to support its mission and expand the organization’s reach throughout the United States and internationally. Project I Am has also empowered young people to become leaders in their own communities through youth-led branches and service initiatives, while Jahkil continues to teach and mentor youth in social entrepreneurship and community impact.
Jahkil’s commitment to young people extends beyond service. As a three-time author, he has used each stage of his own journey to encourage youth through I Am, Don’t Wait to Be Great, and Built Different, sharing messages centered on self-worth, purpose, leadership, resilience, and mental wellness.
He has collaborated with organizations and brands including Nike, the NBA, the Obama Foundation, and Crate & Barrel. As part of Crate & Kids’ Youth Activist initiative, Jahkil pitched and helped develop a custom product whose proceeds supported the mission of Project I Am.
Today, Jahkil is balancing his continued leadership of Project I Am with a new chapter as a college student-athlete. The discipline, resilience, and teamwork he brings to basketball are the same qualities that have shaped his journey as a young leader.
More than a decade after his first act of service, Jahkil’s message remains the same:
Don’t Wait to Be Great.
His story is proof that age does not determine impact—and that one young person with an idea, a heart to serve, and the courage to begin can inspire a movement.
