A champion of social justice, Jahmal Cole’s mission is to build a more interconnected Chicago on the pillars of service and education.

 

As the founder and CEO of the city’s fastest growing social impact organization, My Block, My Hood, My City, Jahmal is the creator of an exposure-based education program for teens and a network of volunteer initiatives that serve Chicago communities year-round.

 

Traveling, youth mentorship and community organizing are the subjects of Jahmal’s highly acclaimed books and speeches. He has spoken to audiences ranging from high school students to the Mayor of Chicago.

 

Recently, Jahmal has received many accolades and awards. In 2018, Jahmal was a Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Honoree, the 2018 Chicago City Council Resolution Award and lastly, he was also named one of the “20 Most Inspiring Chicagoans” by Streetwise Magazine and a Chicagoan of the Year by Chicago Magazine.In 2019, Jahmal Cole was named to Crain’s 40 under 40.  He's also the recipient of the 2019 Champion of Freedom Award. In 2020, he was awarded the 2020 American Red Cross Community Impact Hero Award. He was also named to Crain’s List of the 25 Most Powerful Chicagoans. In 2021, Jahmal was presented the Community Investment “From the Heart” Award by Heartland Health Centers and the Monarch Award in the category of Social Injustice by the Monarch Awards Foundation.