Project I Am

08/03/2026

There are countless people experiencing homelessness in Chicago on any given day, yet the kindness of local people seems resolute in fighting back against the suffering. One such individual is Jakhil Jackson, who began organizing his community to fight against homelessness from a very young age by founding the non-profit organizing Project I Am to distribute "blessing bags" across the city, and eventually across the world. Chicago Muslims Today joins Jahkil Jackson to learn about his journey, and discovers that great work begins with small, consistent acts of charity.

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06/13/2026

Organizations like the Obama Foundation My Brother's Keeper Alliance have helped create opportunities for young people to discover their voice, develop as leaders, and realize the impact they can have in their communities.

It was an incredible honor to join fellow changemakers Justin Harris, Jaqueza Thomas, and Trey Baker for the MBK Alliance Chicago Family Reunion panel, the first convening held inside the Obama Presidential Center's Elie Wiesel Auditorium.

During our conversation, we reflected on what the MBK Alliance family has meant to us, the lessons we've learned along the way, and the responsibility we have to continue empowering the next generation of boys and young men of color.

Being part of this historic moment was a reminder that when young people are supported, invested in, and given opportunities to lead, amazing things can happen.

A special thank you to Christopher Crater for the invitation and for creating space for these important conversations. Grateful to be part of a community that continues to pour into young leaders and challenge us to keep moving the mission forward.

The future isn't waiting in the audience. It's already on the stage.

05/29/2026

Still reflecting on an incredible experience at the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Family Reunion. 🙏🏾

Honored to sit on a panel alongside 3 amazing young Black men as we talked about leadership, loss, legacy, and what it meant to first meet President Obama. Conversations like these remind me how important representation and community truly are.

Being at the Obama Presidential Center surrounded by changemakers, educators, activists, and leaders from across Chicago and beyond was inspiring. So much wisdom, purpose, and passion all in one space.

MBK has impacted over 500,000 young men of color over the past decade, and I’m grateful that Project I Am has been able to grow alongside that mission over the years.
The future is bright. 🖤✨

04/30/2026

I just wrapped up my Social Entrepreneurship class at Heritage Elementary… and wow 🔥

This wasn’t just about learning business, this was about learning how to make a REAL impact.

120 students showed up with ideas, worked as teams, built projects, and stepped into leadership.

📊 The results:
• 94% said the program was FUN
• 90% are proud of what they created
• 81% feel more confident sharing ideas
• 82% said they loved the experience

But the best part? Hearing things like:

“I learned how to create a business and help others at the same time.”

“This showed me I can actually make a difference.”

That’s what it’s all about.

Proud of every student who leaned in, spoke up & took action 💯

🎥 Tap in to the recap video + photos 👇🏾
https://youtube.com/shorts/oovhCJXJ-yY?si=zyaRpE58RXjIa6WX

If you want to bring this experience to your school → visit weareprojectiam.com

04/10/2026

For the past 10 years, Project I Am has been committed to serving communities and empowering youth to lead with purpose.

What started as a small act of service has grown into a movement impacting thousands across the country and beyond.

This video captures just a glimpse of that journey and the power of young people creating change.

Thank you to everyone who has supported, volunteered, and believed in the mission.

Watch the full NBC Chicago video and be part of what’s next.

What started as a 5-year-old feeding the homeless turned into a global movement. Now, Jahkil Jackson reflects on 10 years of impact on NBC.In this powerful N...

03/29/2026

Still taking in what it meant to celebrate 10 years of Project I Am this past weekend.

From the reception to the skating celebration, it was powerful to see so many people in one space, community, supporters, young leaders, and families, all coming together around a shared mission.

What started at 8 years old as a simple act of service has grown into something bigger than I ever imagined. And being able to pause and celebrate that journey with the people who have been part of it…that meant everything.

The energy in the room, the conversations, the connections, it was a reminder that this work is not just about impact, it’s about people.

And this is only the beginning.

Excited for what’s ahead.
https://youtu.be/tESsc55nNzc?si=OlnGGpidXPZNpDmr



Thank you Neverae McLeod Cher Inmyownlane Chris Crater Alyssia's Dream - NFP Narada El Sol Veronica Harrison

📸PRESSCapture LLC

For the past 10 years, Project I Am has been on a mission to serve communities, uplift youth voices, and create real change around the world.What started wit...

03/21/2026

Sat down with Samantha Chatman this morning to discuss books, blessing bags and 10 years of serving.
Thank you for having me ABC7
Thank you Veronica Harrison for a great awareness week

Jahkil Jackson, the founder of Project I Am, joined ABC7 to talk about this milestone anniversary and how you can get involved.

03/16/2026

Today I had the opportunity to sit down with Tia Ewing Gabriella Premus at Fox 32 Chicago to talk about my journey, from growing up service-minded to pursuing my dreams on and off the court.

What started with a simple moment when I was five years old helping feed the homeless sparked something in me that eventually led to the creation of Project I Am. Since then, that passion for service has grown into a mission to empower young people to lead and create change in their communities.

During the interview, I shared more about my journey as a student-athlete, author, and social entrepreneur, including my ultimate goal of playing basketball at the highest level, the importance of mental health (a focus of my third book Built Different), and what’s next for me and for Project I Am.

I’m grateful for opportunities like this to share my story and hopefully inspire young people to use their voice, chase their dreams, and make an impact.

🫶🏾Veronica

Check out the interview to hear more about the journey and what’s ahead.

He started at just 8 years old, and now he is a global inspiration! 18-year-old Chicago native Jahkil Jackson joins us in the studio to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of his nonprofit organization, Project I AM, and the incredible impact of his "Blessing Bags."