At the tender age of four, a young boy living in an impoverished neighborhood in Chicago was inspired by the rapper, Nas. This young boy was Jahmal Cole, who then went on to give his first speech at his pre-school graduation ceremony. From the second he found inspiration, he never stopped thinking nor speaking about his dreams that were bigger than his surroundings. After a distinguished basketball and academic career at Wayne State University, Mr. Cole became a leader, role model, and advocate for education reform within his community on the south side of Chicago. During this time, Mr. Cole expressed his ideas through the writing of multiple books and speaking engagements to influence his community in positive way. His main goal was to influence the teenagers residing in these impoverished and neglected communities. Through working with juveniles in Cook County Prison, Mr. Cole encountered young adults that could not dream beyond the small block they lived on, let alone know any of the incredible opportunities Chicago had to offer. From the inspiration that these young adults brought to Mr. Cole, the impactful non-profit, My Block, My Hood, My City was created.
Known as M3, My Block, My Hood, My City is a social impact organization located on the south side of Chicago that focuses on exposure based education and community activism. Through the Explorer’s Program, M3 is working to help teenagers who inhabit some of the most forgotten neighborhoods on the south side of Chicago to overcome the poverty and isolation they face, boost educational attainment, and open them to opportunities that make a difference in their lives. The incredible organization is providing these underprivileged youth with an awareness of the world and opportunities beyond their neighborhoods. Through the implementation of our core values of interconnectivity, empathy, hope, and civic responsibility, our students are able to not only see the city of Chicago in a new light, but also themselves. From Mr. Cole’s life experiences as a tireless volunteer and advocate, he is able to teach and witness the transformation of these young adults who go from unexposed young adults to new leaders within their community.
Mr. Cole has been featured on various different media platforms from award recognition from Chicago’s mayor, Rahm Emmanuel, to the Today Show, which can be viewed through this link:
https://www.today.com/news/chicago-nonprofit-receives-30-000-mazda-drive-good-campaign-t105512. I have attached more media highlighting the outstanding work of Mr. Cole. While being on the Today Show was an incredible way to spread his message, Mr. Cole is tirelessly striving to spread his story, ideas, and motivation to more communities across the country. I feel that Mr. Cole could be a transformative speaker for your college’s community. Thank you for your time and consideration.
