Jalen K. Day began his fight for justice at Pike High School, where he was the assistant director of the play "A Lesson Before Dying." This production tells the story of a falsely accused young Black man on death row, chosen to highlight racial injustice in the criminal justice system. He became deeply involved in the performing arts program, which connected the arts to social and political issues. Jalen also participated in community protests and events addressing the challenges affecting his generation, such as gun violence, police brutality, and racial injustice. Eventually, he took on a leadership role in planning and organizing these events throughout his community in Indianapolis. 

As a student at Indiana State University, Jalen reactivated the Indiana State University NAACP unit in May 2022, later serving as unit president during his junior and senior years. As president, he spearheaded initiatives aimed at educating his peers on social issues, advocating for student cultural centers, representing student concerns regarding racial harassment, and raising awareness of political issues impacting communities of color and urban areas. 

Jalen is politically active and dedicates his time to highlighting problematic bills at the Indiana Statehouse, fighting against Indiana's controversial laws restricting reproductive freedom, and advocating for improved police-community relations. 

Following his own experience with systemic racism in the criminal justice system, Jalen launched a program aimed at fostering relationships between minority college students and local law enforcement to reduce tensions during homecoming and spring week activities. Through these programs, he facilitated discussions between local officers, attorneys, public defenders, judges, and student leaders to improve campus safety and minimize negative encounters between law enforcement and students of color during major events. 

As a senior, Jalen hosted and moderated a discussion with Kevin Richardson, a member of the Exonerated Five, to shed light on the systemic racism embedded within the criminal justice system. 

In 2024, Jalen was elected President of the Indiana State Conference Youth & College NAACP and joined the Youth & College Digital Organizing Squad. His leadership and activism earned him a leadership award from Indiana State University for his contributions to the greater Terre Haute community. 

Jalen remains committed to advocating for equity, justice, and political empowerment as he continues his journey in public service