Jakeel R. Harris is an educator, community organizer, and spoken-word poet who tackles topics of social justice, leadership, and self-awareness. He is the Founder and CEO of Project SPEAKS, Inc., through which he offers services as an Educational Consultant.

 

Although born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Harris was raised in Oceanside, California where he began his post-secondary education at MiraCosta Community College. It was there that he was involved in cultural clubs and organizations such as the Black Student Union, UMOJA, and Performance Writer’s Club, all of which set the foundation and helped guide his focus and purpose. 

He is a higher education professional with over a decade of experience serving in leadership roles within different student services departments and support programs across the CSU, UC, and California Community College systems. In his higher education practice, Jakeel places a heavy emphasis on providing equity-based programming, promoting leadership development, and encouraging intentional co-curricular involvement. He specializes in embedding student engagement strategies in his approach to increase student involvement and student success. Jakeel uses his knowledge, experience, and creative outlets to teach, educate, and expose people to different perspectives to promote social and personal awareness.​

 

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. His activism includes a strong focus on promoting and encouraging pro-Blackness, engaging in community restoration, and providing equitable resources to disadvantaged and underserved communities. ​​​