Jakeel Harris is a seasoned higher education professional and spoken word poet. He's the Founder and CEO of Project SPEAKS, Inc., a nonprofit through which he engages in community activism and provides educational consulting. He has an academic background in liberal arts, psychology and counseling, and social justice has been at the heart of his work, in and out of the classroom, for decades.
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Jakeel has used his knowledge and love for poetry to weave stories, especially ones from his own lived experiences, to encourage vulnerability, self-awareness, self-love, and community. His latest book, BLACK ENOUGH, showcases his love of his culture and the realities of his Black experiences of growing up and living in America.
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As well as writing multiple chapbooks, poetry collections, and short stories, his writing has been featured in academic textbooks and analyzed for academic discourse. Jakeel has taught and lectured at many academic institutions on a variety of topics, specializing in leadership development and reflective journaling.
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.
