Latest news with #BlessingBags
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Teen author and philanthropist graduates high school after impacting over 200K lives
CHICAGO — Among the graduates at Currie High School is a young Chicago philanthropist we've watched grow up. When Jahkil Jackson was eight years old, he came up with the idea to give out essentials to those experiencing homelessness, calling the essentials given out 'Blessing Bags.' Jackson's mission became a non-profit organization called 'Project I Am.' PREVIOUS: Teen behind 'Project I Am,' gives away another 500 Blessing Bags to homeless 'When I first started, the goal was to help others that are on the streets. Now, I've done over 200,000 Blessing Bags and worked with thousands of youths all over the world,' Jackson said. 'Project I Am' has even branched off into France, Canada and Spain, Jackson says. When he was 12, he wrote the first of three books. 'My first book is called 'I Am' and it's a children's book to help other kids wo experience being bullied,' Jackson said. 'It's based on my experience of being bullied and I just wanted to help other kids get through that rough time.' MORE: Chicago 13-year-old's book 'I Am' calls on people to stand up against bullying His second book is called 'Don't Wait to Be Great,' and he says it's about giving other young people tips on how to chase their dreams and find a passion. His latest, titled 'Built Different,' was created with the support of his dad. 'I wrote the book for every teen who's felt pressure to be perfect and try to figure things out along the way. The book is giving them step-by-step tools to manage their mental health,' Jackson said. Now, Jackson is off to college. 'Right now, I've gotten accepted to about 17 schools, so I'm really excited about that. [I'm] still figuring out where I want to go,' he said. 16-year-old 'Project I Am' founder gives away 500 more Blessing Bags to homeless The young author, who loves basketball, met Barack Obama and even collaborated with Crate and Barrel on a project, is ready to write his next chapter. 'I think Jahkil Jackson's life five years from now looks pretty complicated because I do so many things,' he said. 'I'm excited to see what that looks like in adulthood. I want to continue all the activities that I do and see how far that can get me.' He's proving that a life's mission can start at a young age and grow. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alpha Kappa Alpha makes huge global expansion
The post Alpha Kappa Alpha makes huge global expansion appeared first on ClutchPoints. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, chartered a new chapter in London, United Kingdom, broadening its worldwide reach. The sorority established the Alpha Delta Alpha Omega Chapter on May 30. Among the 25 charter members, the women have successful careers in real estate, finance, medicine, business, and other fields. The group's dedication to community involvement has led them to collaborate with over a dozen local groups during the past year. More than 350 Childhood Hunger Power Packs (also known as CHIPP™ weekend meals) have been distributed, more than 200 Blessing Bags have been put together, an eight-week entrepreneurship training program for women has been facilitated, more than 200 volunteer hours have been completed, and more than £3,000 has been invested in Black-owned businesses. With the help of volunteers and visiting sorority members, the chapter will maintain this focus via its first formal service initiatives. Members will plan events like gathering professional clothing for women returning to work and collecting and distributing children's books written by Black writers. 'These women are already making an enormous difference in and around London,' said Carrie J. Clark, International Regional Director for Alpha Kappa Alpha. 'They are an amazing group of servant leaders who I am confident will expand Alpha Kappa Alpha's legacy of service in the Greater London area for years to come.' The sorority has spearheaded several international projects, including building schools in South Africa during apartheid, providing aid to women and children in Liberia, and reducing poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, the sorority founded the For Members Only Federal Credit Union, the nation's first Black-owned, female-led, sorority-based digital financial institution. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, is the oldest Greek-letter sorority founded by Black college women. The sorority was founded in 1908 on the Howard University campus in Washington, D.C., by nine collegiate women. With more than 365,000 members, it now has members in over 13 countries and territories, including the United Kingdom.
