Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Charan Ingram
We got to chat with philanthropist Jahkil Jackson about giving back to his community, his nonprofit organization “Project I AM,” and being recognized by President Obama.
Did growing up in Chicago play a part in motivating you to start helping others?
Growing up in Chicago definitely helped motivate me to help others. The first time I got to experience homelessness was with my aunt when I was five years old, which was during the colder Chicago winter. It broke my heart to witness this; that’s what motivated me to want to help those experiencing homelessness.
Tell our readers about your nonprofit organization, “Project I AM.” What’s the goal of the organization?
“Project I AM” is a nonprofit organization that I started when I was eight years old with the help of my family. My organization brings awareness to homelessness and also engages youth to be involved in helping others as well. One of the goals of “Project I AM” is to provide temporary support to those in need by providing them with Blessing Bags, which contain toiletries, and also to guide the youth community through their own service projects. To date, “Project I AM” has impacted nearly 70,000 people in need and has worked with hundreds of aspiring youth change-makers.
How could our readers get involved with the work you do through “Project I AM?”
Readers can visit officialprojectiam.com to see upcoming events or complete the “Contact” tab to reach me directly to get set up with volunteer opportunities.
At only 10 years old, President Obama honored you for your philanthropy work. How did it feel to receive that recognition?
This was the highlight of my career! It was a great honor to receive an acknowledgment from the first Black President of the United States. I will cherish that moment for the rest of my life. President Obama is looked at as a hero to so many, especially teens like myself. To know that he knows my name, my work, and wanted to meet me was beyond exciting and life-changing.
You prove that helping others can start at any age. What are some easy ways our readers could make an impact in their communities?
Some ways to make an impact in your community are to volunteer at community centers; read for the kids, and help out the senior citizens. When I was five years old, I volunteered by serving breakfast at senior citizen homes while some teens played games with them. Another suggestion I would give would be to organize a neighborhood clean-up. Just make sure that you have the supplies needed to accomplish a task like that (garbage bags, gloves, etc.).
What advice do you have for other young people who want to start a nonprofit organization?
My advice would be, “Don’t wait to be great.” I’m always asked how I got started and how to get started. So many people can’t believe the things that I have accomplished at such a young age, so I wanted them to know that they could also accomplish the same goals. So I coined that motto. I would also suggest finding what you’re passionate about. If you have not found what you’re passionate about, I suggest volunteering for different projects. You want to have the passion that sparks that drive, so it doesn’t feel like an obligation.