Sharif El-Mekki Gets $20 Million to Support Black Teachers, Faces Hate Along the Way

With nearly 30 years in education, Sharif El-Mekki has seen how Black students often face challenges in schools that aren’t set up to help them succeed. As a former teacher and principal, El-Mekki believes that one of the biggest problems is the lack of Black teachers.

To fix this, he started the Center for Black Educator Development (CBED), a non-profit focused on recruiting and supporting more Black teachers.

El-Mekki’s work has attracted a lot of attention and financial support, including a $1.4 million donation from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. While many see his efforts as a positive step for Black students, some critics think he’s pushing ideas that divide rather than unite.

Who Is Sharif El-Mekki?

Sharif El-Mekki grew up in West Philadelphia and was inspired by his mother, Aisha El-Mekki, to go into education. Aisha had experienced racism in Philadelphia, leading her to join the Black Panther Party, which focused on feeding and educating Black children. She later moved her family to Iran, hoping her children would experience a different way of life.

After returning to Philadelphia, El-Mekki spent almost 30 years working as a teacher and principal before starting CBED in 2019. Now, he’s a husband and father of six, working to improve education for Black students.

His Mission

El-Mekki believes that having more Black teachers in schools can make a huge difference for Black students. He argues that Black students benefit from having teachers who understand their background and can serve as role models.

“All students need great teachers,” El-Mekki says, “but we know that even one Black teacher can make a big difference for Black students.”

Through CBED, El-Mekki is working to build what he calls the “Black teacher pipeline,” which is a way to get more Black educators into classrooms across the country. While better grades and test scores are a result, El-Mekki says the benefits go beyond school and help students build confidence and a sense of identity.

Mixed Reactions

El-Mekki’s work has gained a lot of support, with organizations like NBC Universal, Nike, and the Bezos Family Foundation backing his efforts. His organization has raised close to $20 million to help achieve its goals.

However, some people are critical of his approach. Dr. Mika Hackner, from the Jewish Institute for Liberal Values, believes El-Mekki is promoting segregation in schools. “It sounds like a good idea on the surface,” Hackner told The Free Press, “but underneath, he’s spreading some harmful and divisive ideas.”

Despite the criticism, El-Mekki remains focused on his goal. Quoting activist Angela Davis, he said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” For him, helping Black students succeed in school is not just a goal—it’s a necessity.

As people continue to debate how best to improve education for Black students, one thing is clear: Sharif El-Mekki is determined to create a system where Black students can thrive, guided by teachers who truly understand them.