Jahkil Jackson is a teen entrepreneur, artist, actor and author. At just 5 years old, Jahkil Jackson saw a homeless person for the first time. He asked his mom if they could purchase homes for all of the homeless people. At 8 years old, Jahkil established is nonprofit organization, Project I Am. Through his organization and with help from volunteers, they create “Blessing Bags” filled with wipes, socks, deodorant, hand sanitizer, granola bars, toothbrushes and more and distributes to the hopeless population. During the pandemic, he created a way to engage 200 youth from over 70 cities to create and distribute 8,000 blessing bags to homeless in their local communities.
His work has been recognized by President Barack Obama, Disney’s “Be Inspired” Black History campaign, Lebron James and more. In 2018, Jahkil became the youngest member of the Independent Youth group which empowers today’s youth to become tomorrow’s business leaders and entrepreneurial innovators.
“YBK day is a day when young people can showcase their business, sell their products and celebrate being an entrepreneur”-Jahkil Jackson
This past Saturday Jahkil Jackson presented the Chicago #YBKDay Marketplace. The marketplace was part of a nationwide event by Young Biz Kid, which empowers young business owners. Young Biz Kid Day teaches youth how to start, own and operate their own businesses. Over 12 marketplaces featuring over 200 kid business owners were featured across the United States. In Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot declared July 17 and the third Saturday in July as YBK Day. Held in Hyde Park, the marketplace featured fellow kid business owners in Hyde Park. Each “kidpreneur” set up shop and showcased their products and services.
For more information on YBK day, visit https://ybkday.org/ . To learn more about Jahkil Jackson and Project I Am visit, https://officialprojectiam.com/take-action .
