About this Event
In 2013, Cole began volunteering at the Cook County J*il and realized many of its youngest occupants had never once been out of their neighborhoods. Jahmal Cole and his team began providing opportunities for teens to step outside their comfort zone and explore new communities, cultures, and cuisines and gain a greater understanding of the world. These experiences would also show communities how service, empathy, and collaboration can make a difference not only on their own block but in the city of Chicago.
Join us as Jahmal Cole, founder of My Block My Hood My City, speaks about inspiring youth, empowering communities, and building a better world one block at a time.
More on Jahmal Cole
Community activist Jahmal Cole was born on July 15, 1983 in Chicago, Illinois to Leonard and Gloria Cole. He graduated from Reuther Central High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and received his B.S. degree in communications from Wayne State College, in 2005, in Wayne, Nebraska. Cole was one of the first African American players on the Wayne State Wildcats basketball team, where he played for four seasons and received the Scholar Athlete Award in 2005. Cole later received his M.S. degree in internet marketing from Full Sail University Online in 2011.
Cole began his career working for Colorado Technical University Online as national admissions advisor. In 2009, Cole was hired at WH Trading, LLC in Chicago as a Microsoft Systems Administrator, and obtained his Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator Certificate from Microtrain. He founded the Role Model Movement, a not-for-profit organization offering a series of initiatives geared toward empowering underserved youth, and authored, through its publishing arm Role Model Publishing, Athletes and Emcees, a motivational book providing candid advice on careers, confidence, friendship, school, ingenuity and determination. In 2013, he founded MyBlock, MyHood, MyCity, a non-profit organization based in Chicago, dedicated to providing opportunities to underprivileged youth focused on STEM, arts & culture, citizenry & volunteerism, health, community development, culinary arts, and entrepreneurism. He is also the author of The Torch of Decency: Rekindling the Spirit of Community Organizations, Exposure Is Key: Solving Violence By Exposing Teens to Opportunites, Mud Sharks, and 50 Excuses to not Follow Your Dreams.
Reserve early. Reservations close Tuesday, February 4, 2025 @ 5 pm
The Speaker Luncheon Price per Ticket is as follows:
$50 for Members**
$60 for Non-Members
$600 - Purchase of One Table (Seating for 10 People)
(In order to help First Friday cover increasing expenses, a processing fee will be dded to the price of your ticket(s) at checkout. Thank you)
**If you wish to purchase a Membership (starting at $75), please click
When checking out, pleased indicate the following in the comments section:
- Any dietary requirements
- A group or person you wish to sit with (all attendees are assigned a seat)
- A request for a hearing assistance kit
For additional information please call (312.466.9610), email or visit our website at
Thank You!
LUNCHEON LOCATION:
All meetings are held at The Union League Club - Presidents Hall on the 2nd floor at 65 West Jackson Blvd (1/2 block east of Clark). Upon entering the ULC, you will be directed to the check-in location.
THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB DRESS CODE:
The Union League Club Dress Code is Smart Casual, a relaxed, well-dressed look which may include jeans with no visible rips or tears, denim, and collared shirts. Athletic wear, tennis shoes, t-shirts or hats are not permitted.
PARKING AT THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB:
Valet Parking is available at Union League's Federal Street Entrance (no discount to attendees).
Discounted parking as low as $10 for All First Friday Club Attendees is available through the in the South Loop Self Park, 318 S. Federal St, Chicago (self parking in the garage on the northwest corner of Federal and Van Buren). For information on this special offer, click the following link: IPARKIT OPTION
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
The Club is just two blocks from the LaSalle Street Metra Station, six blocks from Union Metra Station and only blocks away from every EL station.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Union League Club - Presidents Hall - 2nd Floor, 65 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, United States