Jakeel is an educator, community organizer, and spoken-word poet who tackles topics of social justice, leadership, and self-awareness. He performs and writes spoken word poetry under the pseudonym SPEAKS, 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. Jakeel has performed his poetry at various venues ranging from academic institutions to weddings to open mics. He recently performed at Allan Hancock College, California State University, Long Beach, and MiraCosta Community College.
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Write a reviewPrice range: $200 – $5,000 per event
Languages: English
Gig length: 10 - 120 minutes
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.
He is a higher education professional with over 10+ years of experience working within different student services departments and support programs. Jakeel's areas of concentration in higher education include providing equity-based programming, promoting leadership development, and placing a heavy emphasis on co-curricular involvement.
He specializes in embedding student engagement approaches in his practice 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.
His activism includes a strong focus on promoting and encouraging pro-Blackness, engaging in community restoration, and providing equitable resources to disadvantaged communities. He holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling from California State University, Long Beach, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt (formerly Humboldt State University).
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.
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.
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Spoken Word Artist
