Jahmal Cole is the founder and CEO of My Block, My Hood, My City and a dedicated advocate for social justice—committed to building a more interconnected Chicago through service and education.

Jahmal is a multi-time Chicago Reader Activist of the Year, Chicago Magazine Chicagoan of the Year, Chicago Defender “Men of Excellence” Honoree, American Red Cross Community Impact Hero Award recipient, and the subject of the feature documentary film “A Tiny Ripple of Hope.”

Jahmal has also had the honor of speaking in front of President Barack Obama and receiving an honorary Doctorate Degree in Humanities from DePaul University.