Jahkil Naeem Jackson
Global Changemaker, Social Entrepreneur, 3X Best-Selling Author & College Student-Athlete
Jahkil Naeem Jackson
Global Changemaker, Social Entrepreneur, 3X Best-Selling Author & College Student-Athlete
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Biography
Jahkil Naeem Jackson is a globally recognized changemaker, social entrepreneur, college student-athlete, three-time best-selling author, and founder of Project I Am, a nonprofit he launched at just 8 years old to raise awareness about homelessness and support people in need. Jahkil's passion for service began at age 5 while helping his aunt distribute food to individuals experiencing homelessness in Chicago. Three years later, he assembled his first 88 Blessing Bags—care packages filled with essential hygiene and personal care items. What began as a childhood act of service has grown into a global movement. Through Project I Am, Jahkil has now impacted more than 250,000 people, raised nearly $1 million, and engaged more than 3,000 young people in volunteer service.
Recognized by President Barack Obama as a young changemaker, Jahkil has been featured by Forbes, The New York Times, CNN, BET, Essence, the TODAY Show, and The Jennifer Hudson Show. His honors include recognition as a CNN Hero Young Wonder, American Red Cross Youth Hero, and Marvel Hero. He has also collaborated with brands and organizations including Nike, the NBA, Crate & Barrel, The Gap, and Gatorade.
Jahkil is the three-time best-selling author of I Am, Don't Wait to Be Great, and Built Different. As a speaker, he brings nearly a decade of real-world experience in leadership, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, athletics, and navigating life in the public eye. He has addressed students, educators, corporate professionals, and audiences around the world, speaking on purpose, leadership, resilience, mental wellness, and the power of taking action.
Now 18, Jahkil is continuing his journey as a college student-athlete while leading Project I Am and inspiring others through his signature message: "Don't Wait to Be Great."
Jahkil Naeem Jackson works in partnership with APB Speakers for speaking engagements worldwide.
Speaker Videos
Motivational Speaker Jahkil Jackson
Don't Wait to be Great | Jahkil Jackson | TEDxYouth@LowellHS
Philanthropists, influencer Jahkil Jackson celebrating 7 years of 'Blessing Bags'
Teen Became a Marvel Superhero After Creating ‘Blessing Bags’ to Help the Homeless
JAHKIL NAEEM JACKSON: Prioritize Your Mental Health | Immanuel Nghifikwa | Episode 1
JAHKIL JACKSON: INVESTING IN TINY HOMES, ADVICE FOR NON-PROFIT TEENS + NEXT STEPS | XBlaze Magazine
JAHKIL JACKSON: DANCE, ATHLETICS, PUBLISHING HIS BOOKS + ORIGIN OF PROJECT I AM | XBlaze Magazine
Speech Topics
Don’t Wait to Be Great: Youth Empowerment
Empowering young people to discover their purpose, use their voice, and take action now, regardless of their age or circumstances.
How to Motivate & Inspire GenZ at Work & Beyond
A firsthand Gen Z perspective on purpose, authenticity, mentorship, opportunity, and what helps the next generation thrive.
Bridging the Gap Between Youth & Adults: How to Encourage & Celebrate Youth Voice
Helping adults create space for young people to be heard, valued, supported, and empowered to lead.
Built Different: Resilience, Confidence & Embracing What Makes You Different
An authentic conversation about overcoming setbacks, building confidence, protecting your mental wellness, and turning what makes you different into a strength.