JaRich shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning JaRich, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
To step out on faith and leave a 9-5 job to solely focus on my entrepreneurial goals including my brand as an artist, JaRich.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Jaleel “JaRich” Ritchwood Jordan is a Newark, New Jersey–born musician, educator, and community organizer whose work bridges creativity, empowerment, and service. As the founder of his own brand and movement, JaRich blends music with education and advocacy to inspire change and uplift communities. His journey is rooted in resilience and vision—transforming challenges into purpose and creating spaces where culture, healing, and empowerment come alive.
In 2022, he was honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden for his outstanding service and dedication to others. What makes JaRich’s work unique is how he fuses artistry with activism—whether through powerful performances, educational initiatives, or community programs, he carries a message of hope and transformation. Currently, he is building platforms that amplify underrepresented voices, cultivate discipline and self-growth, and celebrate Black brilliance through storytelling, music, and mentorship.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Before I could truly see myself, God saw me clearly. He knew my purpose, my calling, and my destiny long before I understood it. Even in moments when I doubted who I was or struggled with identity, He reminded me that I was fearfully and wonderfully made. God placed people in my life—family, mentors, and spiritual leaders—who spoke life into me and confirmed what He already knew about me. But ultimately, it was His vision of me that shaped who I am becoming.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—honestly, as a music artist and entrepreneur, there have been many days I felt like giving up. The journey isn’t easy. Every day comes with new challenges—financial struggles, self-doubt, the pressure of doing everything on your own, and the weight of wondering if it’s all worth it. There were moments when I questioned if my gift was enough or if people would ever truly see the vision God placed inside of me.
But every time I reached that breaking point, God reminded me why I started. He showed me that my music isn’t just about me—it’s about the people it touches, the lives it inspires, and the message it carries. That keeps me going. Even when entrepreneurship feels overwhelming and the road feels lonely, I remember that I’m not walking it alone.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what really matters to me is loyalty and honesty. I value people who can be real with me and who know I’ll be real with them. They’d also probably laugh and tell you I act like a father figure sometimes—always encouraging, pushing others to be their best, and making sure they don’t settle for less than what God has for them. At the same time, I keep it lighthearted. I love cracking jokes, keeping the energy positive, and making sure people feel supported while also feeling seen. For me, it’s all about building relationships rooted in trust, truth, and love.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me when I’m gone is that I lived full and died empty. That I poured out every gift, every dream, every vision God placed inside of me. I want them to say I didn’t hold back—that I pursued everything I was called to do in this life and left nothing undone. More than that, I want them to remember that I helped people along the way, that I inspired others to see their own light, and that I gave more than I took. For me, legacy isn’t just about success—it’s about service, impact, and leaving people better than I found them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jarichofficial
