The Next Mayor – Jahi Adisa

Meet Jahi Bakari. Born Here. Built Here. Running For You.

A son of East St. Louis who left to grow, came back to serve, and is committed to ensuring the next generation knows they are not forgotten.

60+

Years rooted in East St. Louis

1000s

Youth impacted through Bakari Institute

2

Degrees in Public Admin & HR Management

"Leave every place better than you found it."

— LaVenia Lewis, his mother

Who He Is

A Son of East St. Louis

Born Rodney Lewis in 1964, Jahi Bakari was raised and educated right here — Jefferson and Hawthorne Elementary, Lansdowne Junior High, and Lincoln Senior High School class of 1982.

He didn’t just pass through. He was shaped by this city, its teachers, and its people.

His Journey

A Life Built on Service

Graduated Lincoln Senior High School

A strong academic performer who credits East St. Louis educators for his foundation

1982

B.S. Human Resource Management — University of Houston

Multiple Dean's List honors. Kept his promise to return home after graduation.

1986

Master's in Public Administration — SIUE

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville — deepening his commitment to public service

1986-92

Founded the Bakari Institute

A nonprofit that positively impacted thousands of youth across East St. Louis, St. Louis, and Dallas, Texas

1990s -

2007

Closed the Institute — Chose Family First

Closed the Institute — Chose Family First. When his mother LaVenia was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, he closed the institute to care for her full-time

2013

Returned to East St. Louis

After his mother's passing, he came home — and was moved by how much had been lost. That's when the mission became clear.

2021

Running for Mayor — April 2027

To ensure the next generation knows they are not forgotten and that a future of excellence is within reach

2027

Why Jahi Bakari

What He Brings to the Mayor's Office

Educated Here, For Here

Two degrees, Dean's List honors — all grounded in a commitment to return and serve East St. Louis

Proven Community Builder

The Bakari Institute touched thousands of young lives across three cities over nearly two decades

Public Administration Expert

Master's degree in Public Administration — he understands how government works and how to make it work for people.

Rooted in This Community

Born here, schooled here, returned here. Not a politician passing through — a neighbor who never stopped caring.

New Justice. New Mayor.

Vote Jahi Bakari

Mayor — East St. Louis, Illinois