A refreshing combination of altruism and systematic leadership and the mountains he moved in the process.
By Ashley Rickards
Jahmal Cole was once a disadvantaged student. Attending an alternative high school in Chicago, his guidance counsellor told him college wasn’t in his future. Not willing to accept the plight of his circumstances, Cole beat the odds. Using his ingenuity and perseverance to get into college he sold hip-hop CDs to pay his tuition. Cole made the Dean’s List. As a mentor and role model, Cole’s powerful message motivates students to take responsibility for their education, their future, and their community.
Jahmal Cole is a tireless volunteer and role model. An advocate for education reform in Chicago, Jahmal is passionate about improving schools and is a frequent speaker at colleges in the Chicagoland area. Jahmal is the author of The Torch of Decency: Rekindling the Spirit of Community. Organisations, “Athletes & MC’s” and “50 Excuses: To Not Following your Dreams.” Recognised for his contributions to the community, he is the recipient of many awards, including a 2012 Certificate of Appreciation from Governor Pat Quinn. The 2012 Chicago Ideas Award Winner presented by Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, The 2013 Scion Motivate Winner presented by Toyota, 2013 John Lennon Song Writing Grand Prize Award Winner, and 2013 Cook County Juvenile Detention Centre Volunteer Award.
He was appointed honorary chair of the State of Black Chicago Steering Committee by Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court and named one of Huffington Post’s 15 Inspiring Chicagoans. He successfully launched a groundbreaking social initiative entitled “My Block, My Hood, My City”, where he takes teenagers from undeserved Chicago communities on city-wide explorations. Jahmal is a member of the Mayor’s Youth Advisor Council on Gun Violence and Restorative Communities.
1) Jahmal, you founded a charity called My Block My Hood My City, what was the impetus for starting an organisation of this kind?
Volunteering at a juvenile facility in Chicago in the automatic transfer unit. The teens told me they’d never been downtown. To me it was tragic that they didn’t feel apart of something larger, outside the radius of a few blocks where they lived. I knew immediately I had to do something about it. My organisation is working towards that goal.
2) How does My Block My Hood My City work differently than other nonprofits in inner cities?
We’re all learning.
3) What has been the most difficult part of growing this organisation in these tumultuous times?
Adjusting to the ebbs and flows of other people’s enthusiasm. Getting used to walking with faith and not sight. Staying true to my vision, purpose, and mission. I’m way past the sacrificing stage, I’m all in. I’m blessed though, when you’re doing what you love you organically build relationships that will help you be successful.
4) In your opinion, what do you think the most common misconception the public has on gun violence is? And why?
Many misconstrue the epidemic of gun violence in inner cities with gun violence. This turns “how do we address the unnecessary deaths of men and women of all ages” to a polarised debate on big vs small government. It’s an honest mistake amplified daily by the media. You have to understand this is a socio-economic problem. The greatest predictor of gun violence is NOT gun ownership per capita, but instead median income and educational attainment rates.
We create policy to provide solutions not to satisfy political ideologies, anyone who does otherwise is failing as a public servant.
5) Recently these issues hit close to home and you recently lost two family members due to gun violence. What do you think led to the tragic outcome and how has that affected your mission?
What stands out to me in the Chicago I see is the overwhelming presence of the Criminal Justice system in the community. To some kids the sight of police officers will be the defining social structure of their lives. Squad cars are everywhere, German shepherds sniff you when you get off the train. Blue lights are everywhere. It’s actually offensive. My daughter knew what a helicopter was at two years old.
The militarisation of communities, though at first blush appears as a move to improve safety, is not only a form of social control but it damages & re-traumatises the human spirit. Among other things, one could say that it creates a health issue in and of itself. Of course, it also negatively affects other areas – education, employment, housing, etc. At the very least, youth need that consistent surge of hope; and one that is actually linked to tangible opportunities.
6) Your candor and vision have a uniquely neutral solution, a call for unity, why do you think it’s important for police and citizens to open up a dialogue about mutual understanding?
Evil can only be rooted out by love. I honestly am just acting in accordance to my nature. I could make a drawn out answer here but to be honest, this is who I am at my core. To me this is a natural instinct.
7) Recently Gov. Jerry Brown passed a bill in California eliminating Special Grand Jury Proceedings in trials related to fatal officer involved shootings. Some would say that the law enforcement officers have a different set of standards and dangers that negate public opinion and could potentially send a law abiding police officer to jail. Do you have faith in the public to be unbiased and have a fair verdict for both sides? Please explain.
This bill to eliminate the grand jury process is not about giving the public the power to decide a case. It is about ensuring accountability in our police departments by providing a fair trial, because on trial are the people we live next to and interact with daily. The families of the deceased, good cops, honest citizens everywhere deserve a fair trial. No one wants to live among violence.
As for my faith in the public, I have an immense amount of faith in the public. Who is the public? It’s myself, it’s you, it’s everyone I know and don’t know. The overall consensus of the public is that justice should be sought wherever an injustice has occurred. But the public needs access to information to draw accurate conclusions, which is another reason why we must end the grand jury process. This process effectively hides truth and justice from our society.
8) California is the first state in the country to pass this legislation. You and MBMHMC are collecting thousands of signatures to pass the same law in Illinois. How, in your opinion, will this affect the public’s either trust or distrust in the police force?
Currently, we have a justice system that is so forgiving that police with long misconduct records are getting off time and again without punishment. We must judge all people by their conduct, not their uniform, car, suit or any other status symbol. We must remember law enforcement is a job, not an honour bestowed upon a righteous figure. These are people like any other.
This legislation will bring transparency to police involved crimes and will bring murder by police officers into the realm of criminal activity. A step towards ending abuses of power by – and immunity for – men & women with badges.
9) Many argue that the problem isn’t the police or racial profiling but that it is a circumstantial, locational disadvantage that makes violence more prevalent in inner cities particularly among underprivileged youth. While on the other hand many victims or families of victims argue it is in fact an unethical and racially driven split second decision making process. While the chicken and egg blame game seems to be ongoing, which, in your opinion based on what you’ve seen, do you think it is? How can it be improved?
“Locational disadvantage”, sounds to me that this disadvantage is living in a community with a high poverty rate that’s been neglected of taxpayer money. People need jobs and job training to get out of poverty and improve their community. We’ll be right there doing what we can, but our government needs support creating those opportunities.
I can’t deny the likelihood of a racially driven split second decision, if you’ve ever taken an Implicit Association Test on race you’ll see we’re all ingrained with prejudice. 150 years ago over a million American’s died for their views on race. In those 150 years the fight has continued and many more have died. We’ve come along way, but we have a long way to go.
10) Do you feel that doing the work you’re doing has been misunderstood by police officers?
No. I believe we walk the line of love and understanding, which is why our message is powerful.
11) What would you like to see happen over the next couple years in regards to MBMHMC?
I’d like to see Explorer’s Programmes across the nation and even grow internationally. I’m still waiting to see the President in a hoodie.
12) If you could tell young people one thing about gun violence and interacting with law enforcement what would it be?
Treat people the way you want to be treated. And if you’re in a community struggling with crime and police brutality the standard by which you’re measured will be much stricter, so always be on your “A” game.
13) How can international readers get involved or aid in MBMHMC’s mission?
Donate! Buy a hoodie or T-shirt. Wear our gear and take lots of photos. Share across social media. Even better, connect us with nonprofits that would like to see an Explorer’s Programme in your country and we’ll come out there to make it happen.
