7 Surprising Facts About Karima Jackson: Ice Cube's Private Daughter Who Chose Activism Over Hollywood

Karima Jackson has successfully carved out a unique and profoundly impactful identity far removed from the glare of Hollywood, a rare feat for a celebrity child. As of December 12, 2025, the daughter of legendary rapper and actor O’Shea Jackson Sr., better known as Ice Cube, is not pursuing a career in entertainment but is instead a dedicated academic, philanthropist, and social justice advocate. Her life story is a compelling narrative of choosing purpose over fame, focusing her considerable energy on empowering underrepresented communities through education and community-driven projects. This article provides the most current and in-depth look at Karima Jackson’s life, career, and academic pursuits, offering a fresh perspective on the woman who has intentionally maintained a private life while working to effect public change. From her doctoral studies at a prestigious university to the mission behind her non-profit organization, Karima Jackson's commitment to social impact is the defining characteristic of her career today.

Karima Jackson: Complete Biography and Profile

Karima Jackson is best known as the daughter of Hip-Hop icon Ice Cube, but her professional life is centered on public affairs, research, and community development. Unlike her older brother, actor O’Shea Jackson Jr., Karima has deliberately steered clear of the entertainment industry, preferring a life dedicated to academia and philanthropic work.

• Full Name: Karima Jackson
• Father: O'Shea Jackson Sr. (Ice Cube)
• Mother: Kimberly Woodruff (Kim Woodruff)
• Date of Birth: February 17, 1994
• Age (as of December 2025): 31 years old
• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Siblings: O'Shea Jackson Jr., Darrell Jackson, Shareef Jackson (all brothers)
• Marital Status: In a relationship (with Horatio Joines)
• Current Residence: Newark, New Jersey, USA
• Primary Occupation: Doctoral Candidate, Philanthropist, Research Assistant, Nonprofit Director
• Education: PhD Student at Rutgers University, School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA)
• Notable Work: Founder of Organize Change, Inc.

The Academic Path: Doctoral Candidate at Rutgers University

One of the most current and significant updates in Karima Jackson's life is her rigorous pursuit of a doctoral degree. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate at Rutgers University, specifically within the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA). This academic focus demonstrates a profound commitment to understanding the systemic issues that affect underrepresented communities. Her research at Rutgers is centered on public affairs and administration, positioning her to become an expert in policy and governance. This choice of study is a clear indicator that her career ambition is not to be a celebrity but to be a serious, impactful scholar and policy-maker. Karima Jackson is not just a student; she is also actively involved in teaching. She instructs both undergraduate and graduate courses at Rutgers University-Newark, further solidifying her role as an educator and academic. Her work as a research assistant at the Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration is directly aligned with her goal of driving evidence-based social change.

Karima Jackson's Dedication to Social Justice and Community Empowerment

Karima Jackson's passion for social justice is channeled through her non-profit organization, Organize Change, Inc.. She founded this charity with a clear mission: to empower underrepresented communities. The organization's work is focused on social justice initiatives and community-driven projects, aiming to create tangible, positive change at the grassroots level. This is a hands-on approach to philanthropy, moving beyond simple donations to active involvement in community development. Prior to founding her own non-profit, Karima gained valuable experience in the field of family services. She worked as a family service specialist in New Jersey, specifically at the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (formerly DYFS). This professional background provides her with a deep, practical understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable families, informing the strategic direction of Organize Change, Inc..

7 Surprising Facts About Ice Cube's Most Private Child

Karima Jackson's life is full of intentional choices that distinguish her from typical celebrity offspring. These facts highlight her unique path:

1. She is a Highly Private Public Figure: Karima Jackson has no verified or publicly active social media accounts. This is an intentional choice to maintain a private personal life, allowing her professional work as a doctoral candidate and non-profit director to be her primary public identity.
2. She is a Former Student-Athlete: Before her academic career, Karima was a student-athlete. She played basketball during her high school years at Eastern Guilford High School in Gibsonville, NC, and continued at the collegiate level, including a stint with the Guilford College Quakers women's basketball team.
3. She is a Doctoral Candidate in Public Affairs: Her highest academic pursuit is a PhD at Rutgers University’s School of Public Affairs and Administration, focusing on policy and governance. This commitment to higher education is a central theme of her adult life.
4. She is a Professor at Rutgers-Newark: Beyond her own studies, she teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses, sharing her knowledge and expertise with the next generation of public service leaders.
5. Her Non-Profit Focuses on Social Justice: Organize Change, Inc. is dedicated to social justice initiatives and empowering marginalized people, a clear reflection of her values and commitment to community upliftment.
6. She is an Entrepreneur: In addition to her non-profit and academic work, Karima Jackson is also the owner and operator of Exquisite Property Services, demonstrating a diverse skill set in business and community development.
7. She is Not a Model or Media Influencer: While some older sources inaccurately label her as a model or media influencer, her current and verified career path is strictly academic and philanthropic. Her focus is on the Newark, New Jersey community and her research at Rutgers.

Karima Jackson’s story is a powerful testament to the fact that celebrity children can forge their own paths, choosing to dedicate their lives to meaningful, behind-the-scenes work. Her dedication to Organize Change, Inc. and her status as a doctoral candidate make her a compelling figure who is using her platform and education to create lasting social impact. She remains a shining example of a private person making a significant public difference.