Sharif El-Mekki: Leading the Charge for Black Educators and Students

Sharif El-Mekki, a seasoned educator with nearly 30 years of experience as a teacher and principal, is on a mission to change the landscape of education for Black students. Recognizing the lack of diversity in the education system, El-Mekki founded the Center for Black Educator Development (CBED) in 2019 to recruit and retain more Black teachers for Black students.

El-Mekki’s work has not gone unnoticed, as he has received significant support and donations, including a generous $1.4 million gift from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. However, his efforts have sparked controversy, with some labeling him as a radical promoting segregation.

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, El-Mekki credits his mother, Aisha El-Mekki, for inspiring his passion for education. Aisha, a former member of the Black Panther Party, instilled in her son the importance of empowering Black children through education.

El-Mekki firmly believes that students benefit from having diverse teachers and that recruiting more teachers of color will enrich the learning experience for all students. Despite facing criticism, El-Mekki remains committed to his mission of improving educational outcomes for young Black people.

With high-profile support from organizations like NBC Universal and Nike, El-Mekki’s CBED has amassed nearly $20 million in resources. While some may question his methods, El-Mekki’s dedication to transforming the education system for the better remains unwavering.