EDUCATOR. POET. COMMUNITY ORGANIZER
"Be Ready Every Amazing Thing Happens Eventually. In other words, BREATHE."
EDUCATOR
Jakeel currently serves as the Associate Director of Residential Student Experience at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Through his non-profit, Project SPEAKS, Inc., Jakeel offers a variety of educational consulting services including:
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Keynote Speeches and Presentations
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Featured Poetry Performances
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Workshop Facilitation
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Workshop Topics Include:
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Social Justice Matters
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Race and Identity: Discovery through self-awareness
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Access, Class, and Mobility: Started from the bottom, and I am still here
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Self-Reflective Journaling
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Building the Leader in You
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Housing 101: Surviving and Thriving in Campus Housing
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Enhancing Team Dynamics
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Self-Advocacy and Building Boundaries
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Event Planning and Decision Making: Programming with a Purpose
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Dealing with Conflict and Mediation: Why U Mad Though?
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Navigating the Black Experience in College
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Transforming Positive Thoughts in Action
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Healing Through Your Narrative
SPOKEN WORD POET
Jakeel performs and writes spoken word poetry under the pseudonym SPEAKS, covering topics of race and identity, while using his life experiences as a platform to discuss important issues that plague our society. SPEAKS is an acronym for Spreads Positivity Encourage Awareness Know Something, which is also the non-profit organization and movement he has founded. He has performed his poetry at various venues such as California State University, Long Beach, California State University, San Marcos, California State University, Bakersfield, and MiraCosta Community College. Jakeel is also available by request.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZER
Jakeel is the Founder and CEO of Project SPEAKS, Inc., through which he engages in community activism with a strong emphasis on community restoration and providing equitable resources to disadvantaged and marginalized populations. As Founder and CEO of Project SPEAKS, Inc. (501c3), Harris uses his platform to portray and promote Blackness in a positive manner. He encourages all people, especially those who come from Black, Indigenous, or African ancestry, to connect to their cultural roots, embrace their identity, and build pride in who they are.
"The ability to enhance and grow our communities lies in the willingness to dedicate time, energy, and effort into bettering ourselves and supporting others in their journey.”
Jakeel R. Harris, M.S.
Founder & CEO, Project SPEAKS
​Project SPEAKS, Inc. (Spread Positivity Encourage Awareness Know Something), is a (501c3) California-based non-profit organization, volunteer group, and movement created to promote unity, self-awareness, and positivity. ​
Founded in 2012, Project SPEAKS' goal is to provide academic and non-academic resources to developing communities, while promoting community education, social awareness, and personal growth.
Tell Me About It with Jakeel is a podcast that seeks to provide insight into the various educational experiences of students of color. The podcast highlights the work and experiences of educators of color, placing specific emphasis on those from Black backgrounds. The podcast seeks to connect to listeners and expose them to the various issues that people of color face while attending, working, and existing within higher education systems.
