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Jaqueza Thomas

@jaqueza_

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UIC‘27 | Founder of @chicagoemergingstars | Youth Advocate | Inspiring change. Empowering youth. Changing the narrative.🔥

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Still processing this full-circle moment. On June 18th, I had the surreal honor of meeting President Barack Obama, someone who’s shaped the way I see leadership, service, and what’s possible for someone like me. I’ve looked up to him for as long as I can remember. To be in the same room with him… to shake his hand, share my story, and hear his encouragement firsthand I still don’t have all the words. This wasn’t just a photo op. It was a moment of reflection. Of alignment. Of purpose. It felt like everything I’ve been working toward every long day, every speech, every young person I’ve fought to uplift was being affirmed right then and there.

As a youth advocate, nonprofit founder, and a fighter for what’s right, I pour my heart into creating opportunities for the next generation. Not for recognition but because I know what it feels like to grow up in spaces that try to dim your light. I know what it’s like to be counted out before you’ve even had the chance to show what you’re capable of. That’s why I show up. That’s why I lead. To be featured by President Obama for the third time this year is beyond humbling but this one hit different. From the streets of the South Side, to Brazil, to Newark, to now... this journey has been about more than travel. It’s been about transformation.

And I wasn’t alone. I stood shoulder to shoulder with brilliant young men from Chicago and Newark leaders in the making as we reflected on our growth and the shared experiences that have shaped us. We come from different neighborhoods, but we carry the same mission:

To change the narrative.
To build a better future.
To lead with purpose.

This was more than a moment. It was a reminder that our stories matter. That when we invest in young people, when we create space for their voices, when we believe in their potential, anything is possible!!! I’m proud of how far I’ve come. And I’m even more excited for where I’m headed. This is what happens when passion meets purpose. And this? This is only the beginning.

📸: The Obama Foundation

#jaqueza #mbk #obamafoundation #southsidestrong #youthpower #purposedriven #changethenarrative #jaquezathomas #transformative by @jaqueza_

Today is Giving Tuesday, and I’m reminded that the power of community is in our hands. On November 23rd, 2024, I hosted my first Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, bringing together families and neighbors on the South Side of Chicago. It’s moments like these that show we can all make a difference, no matter our age or background.

As a 19-year-old, I’m passionate about changing the narrative and showing that young people have the ability to lead with purpose. We’re often told we’re too young, too inexperienced, but events like this prove that when you believe in your vision and act with heart, anything is possible.

Big thanks to @lucaskultbanout for capturing the spirit of this event and sharing the impact we’re making together. Let’s keep the momentum going—our city, our community, and our future are worth it.

#givingtuesday #communityleadership #southsidestrong #youngleaders #changemakers #thanksgivinggiveaway #spreadlove #inspirechange by @jaqueza_

The official recap is here. Five weeks later, we are still smiling, still reflecting, and still carrying the impact of what happened at Cole Park. Chicago Emerging Stars 4th Annual Back-to-School Bash & Work and Wellness Fair brought together 4,428 youth, families, volunteers, partners, sponsors, vendors, and community members for a day filled with joy, preparation, wellness, workforce opportunity, youth leadership, and community care.

Together, we distributed 1,800 backpacks and school supplies, served 3,500 meals, supported families with resources, connected young adults to opportunities, helped youth feel celebrated, and created a space where community showed up with love. By the end of the day, everything was gone. No backpacks. No food. No supplies. No giveaways.

And while that showed the impact of the day, it also reminded us why this work matters so much. This recap is more than a video. It is a reminder that when young people are trusted to lead, when families are supported with dignity, and when community comes together with purpose, something powerful happens.

Watch the recap. Share the story. Support the mission. This is Chicago Emerging Stars. This is youth-led. This is community-rooted. And this is only the beginning. ⭐️💙

Watch here: chicagoemergingstars.org/post/more-than-backpacks-2026-back-to-school-bash

#chicagoemergingstars #backtoschoolbash #youthleadership #chicagoyouth #jaquezathomas by @jaqueza_

These photos are from a day I’m still carrying with me. I waited a few weeks before posting because I didn’t want to rush past what happened. Looking back, I don’t just see an event. I see 4,428 people gathered around something that started as a small idea and grew into a day of support, joy, and community care.

I see families who trusted us with their time. I see young people stepping into leadership. I see volunteers serving with love. I see partners showing up with purpose. I see children smiling, parents feeling supported, and a community choosing to care out loud.

What means the most to me is that this was real. It was not perfect, but it was needed. It was youth-led. It was community-rooted. It was built with heart. And it reminded me that when people come together for the right reasons, something powerful can happen. To everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, sponsored, partnered, performed, supported, or simply believed in this vision thank you.

I am still grateful. Still humbled. Still processing. And still committed to building spaces where young people and families know they matter.

#chicagoemergingstars #backtoschoolbash #youthleadership #communityimpact #chicagoyouth by @jaqueza_

The countdown is officially on 🔥‼️

Our 4th Annual Back-to-School Bash & Work and Wellness Fair is happening next week, and our youth wanted to help tell the story in their own way. This promo video was created by young people in our summer program, and that makes it even more special.

At Chicago Emerging Stars, youth leadership is not just something we talk about. It is something we practice, support, and make space for.

As we prepare to welcome thousands of youth and families next Saturday, we are reminded that this event is about more than backpacks. It is about joy, preparation, wellness, opportunity, community care, and showing young people that they are seen, supported, and worth investing in.

We can’t wait to see everyone next week. Please share this video with a family, young person, school, organization, business, or community member who should be part of this day.

Together, we are shaping tomorrow, one star at a time. 💙⭐️

#chicagoemergingstars #backtoschoolbash #chicagoyouth #youthleadership #communityimpact by @jaqueza_

Yesterday reminded me why this work matters so much. A lot of what I do happens behind the scenes supporting young people, helping bring ideas to life, making sure others have the space to lead, and sometimes stepping back so their voices can be heard the loudest. This was one of those moments.

I had the honor of helping a small group of 15 young people organize a peace rally, in partnership with @chicagoemergingstars rooted in hope, unity, and love for our community. What started as an idea among a few young leaders grew into more than 200 youth, community members, mentors, and leaders coming together to march for peace in our neighborhoods. And honestly, seeing young people take to the streets with purpose, courage, and a shared message of hope was something I will never forget. Because too often, people talk about young people as if we are the problem.

But yesterday was a reminder that young people are also part of the solution. We are not waiting to become leaders someday. We are already leading now. We just need the space, support, guidance, and opportunity to show what leadership looks like when it is rooted in love, community, and a belief that things can change. Yesterday was not about me. It was about the young people who had a vision, the community that showed up, and the reminder that peace is not just something we hope for. It is something we have to build. Together.

I am proud of every young person who helped make this happen, and I am grateful to everyone who walked, supported, encouraged, protected, and believed in the message. When we invest in young people, we do not just give them something to do. We give them a chance to lead, to heal, to dream, and to help move our communities forward. And when young people lead with purpose, love, and hope, communities move differently.

#chicagoemergingstars #peacerally #chicagoyouth #jaqueza by @jaqueza_

IT’S OFFICIAL!!! Chicago Emerging Stars is proud to announce the return of our 4th Annual Back-to-School Bash!

This is more than a back-to-school event. It is a day of joy, preparation, resources, opportunity, and community care for youth and families across Chicago.

Every year, this event reminds us what is possible when community shows up for young people in a real way. What started as a small act of service has grown into one of our largest youth and family impact events of the year, bringing together thousands of families, community partners, volunteers, and supporters who believe that every young person deserves to feel prepared, supported, celebrated, and seen.

This year, we are preparing to welcome 5,000+ youth and families for a powerful day filled with:

⭐️ Free backpacks and school supplies
⭐️ Free haircuts and styles
⭐️ Food and family-friendly activities
⭐️ Live performances and entertainment
⭐️ Games, activities, and community fun
⭐️ Wellness resources
⭐️ Youth and family support
⭐️ Community partners and resource providers
⭐️ Workforce and wellness opportunities

At Chicago Emerging Stars, we believe young people deserve more than supplies. They deserve confidence. They deserve opportunity. They deserve safe spaces. They deserve support systems. They deserve to walk into the school year knowing their community believes in them.

That is what this day is about. It is about creating an unforgettable experience where families feel loved, young people feel celebrated, and community shows up with purpose.

Location: Cole (Nat King) Park 361 E. 85th St., Chicago, IL 60619
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Registration is free and required. Register today using the link in our bio or the QR code on the flyer.

Please share this with a family, young person, school, organization, business, or community member who should be part of this day.

This is youth-led.
This is community-rooted.
This is made for Chicago families.

Let’s make this year unforgettable. 💙

#chicagoemergingstars #backtoschoolbash #chicagoyouth #chicagoevents #youthempowerment by @jaqueza_

There are some moments in life that make you pause. Not because of who’s in the room. Not because of the photos you take. Not because of the recognition. But because they remind you how far purpose can take you. Being invited to witness the Grand Opening of the Obama Presidential Center, a historic moment for Chicago and for generations to come, felt like one of those moments.

Surrounded by leaders, changemakers, students, families, and community members, I found myself reflecting on the people who helped shape my journey. The mentors who poured into me. The people who continue to inspire me. The communities that raised me. And the countless individuals who believed in me long before many of the opportunities I have today ever existed. What moved me most was being reminded that real change has always started with ordinary people choosing to do extraordinary things for others.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to witness this historic moment, connect with inspiring leaders like @attorneycrump , @vicblends , @uicchancellor , and so many others, and be reminded that hope is not something we talk about. It’s something we build. For our communities. For our young people. For the future.

And if today reinforced anything for me, it’s this: Never underestimate what can happen when people choose to believe in one another. 🙏🏽

#jaqueza #obamapresidentialcenter by @jaqueza_

@jaqueza_ Thomas is already a leader in Chicago, and he hasn’t even graduated yet. His motivation? “To be that validation to other young people...You can do absolutely anything you want in this world.”

Thomas is the founder of @chicagoemergingstars, a youth‑centered nonprofit focused on mentorship, workforce development and expanding options for young people across the city. The @uiclas student has even been recognized by @chicagosmayor, @mbk_alliance and @barackobama.

Learn more about Jaqueza, his impact and his UIC pride on UIC today at the link in our bio!

#ThisIsUIC #UIC #Chicago by @jaqueza_

Some moments don’t just inspire you, they remind you of the responsibility that comes with the work. Recently, I had the honor of joining the Obama Foundation’s MBK Family Reunion at the Obama Presidential Center alongside leaders, mentors, and young people committed to building a better future for our city.

What stayed with me most was not just being part of the panel. It was being in a space filled with people who understand that investing in young people is not optional, it is necessary. Afterward, walking through the Presidential Center gave me time to reflect on what leadership really means. It is not about recognition. It is about service, responsibility, and creating pathways for those coming after you.

As a young Black man from the South Side of Chicago, moments like this remind me that our stories matter, our communities matter, and our young people deserve every opportunity to lead.

Grateful to the Obama Foundation, the MBK Alliance, and everyone continuing to pour into young people across Chicago. The work continues.

Photo Credits: Sterling Gilmore

#begreat #chaseyourdreams #jaqueza by @jaqueza_

A couple weeks ago I received the Chancellor’s Student Service Award at UIC. To be honest, I went back and forth about even attending, and even more about posting this. Not because it wasn’t meaningful, but because I’ve never done this work for recognition. I do it because I care. I do it because I’ve seen what happens when young people are given a real chance.

But this moment isn’t just about me. It’s about every young person I’ve had the chance to work with, every space we’ve created, and every reminder that this work matters. Grateful for the moment, but even more focused on the work ahead.

#jaqueza #uic #chicagoemergingstars by @jaqueza_

On April 10th, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with @magicjohnson. What stuck with me wasn’t just everything he’s accomplished, it was how much he emphasized discipline, education, and really believing in yourself.

As someone still figuring things out and growing through the process, moments like this stay with you. Just being able to listen, learn, and take something from it.

Grateful for the conversation and the perspective. by @jaqueza_