Sharif El-Mekki

Philadelphia, West Philadelphia

Articles

Learn, Baby, Learn: MLK Defended Self-Determination in Black Education

Jan 16, 2025 | edpost.com | Sharif El-Mekki

Every Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we must navigate competing realities: the enduring salience of his words and the ways they are all too often misused, the ways they are stripped of context, distorted, and wielded to undermine those efforts he would champion. This time of year, we will again be subjected to the twisting and whitewashing of his words and legacy.
The Real Cost of Equity Backlash in Schools Is Student Safety

Jan 7, 2025 | edpost.com | Sharif El-Mekki

With the arrival of the second Trump administration this January, a host of new dynamics and realities will emerge in education politics. The incoming president has made it known that he intends to defund and dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.
Here's How Anti-DEI is Anti-Black Educator

Jan 6, 2025 | edpost.com | Sharif El-Mekki

Every child deserves an excellent education—every child. That’s a principle, presumably, no one would argue with, and I’ve spent my entire career working toward it. Yet, critiques of culturally responsive education and the work to diversify the teaching field often frame these efforts as a distraction from “real learning,” creating a false and, frankly, lazy dichotomy between academic excellence and equity. The truth?
Radical Black Love: A Revolutionary Force at BMEC 2024

Dec 11, 2024 | edpost.com | Sharif El-Mekki

As the Center for Black Educator Development (CBED) concluded its 7th Annual Black Men in Education Convening (BMEC/#BMEC2024), which took place at the Loews Hotel November 21-23 in Philadelphia, I was once again struck by the incredible power of radical Black love. Authentic, radical Black love is a revolutionary practice that counters the systemic, pervasive anti-Blackness that seeps into the everyday lives of Black children, educators, families, and communities.
Building a New Social Contract for Teachers

Nov 18, 2024 | thephiladelphiacitizen.org | Sharif El-Mekki

Teaching, as has , is the profession upon which all others are built — and the critical ingredient to a functional and inclusive society. Teachers build our nation daily. How we support them or come up short on that score goes a long way in determining how the common good flourishes or flounders in the future. And while we’ve seen a slight easing in teacher shortages over the last year, in truth, it’s a de minimis decrease.
There’s a Stunning Oversight in CTE: Careers in Education

Nov 12, 2024 | edweek.org | Sharif El-Mekki

Public education is awash in efforts to accelerate the connection of young people with career pathways in high school. All across the country, school systems are partnering with the private sector, higher ed., and community partners to create sophisticated, career-connected learning experiences. Children in middle school and even younger are increasingly exposed to the world of work and potential careers.
Black Panther Party's Legacy: Empowering Education for Black Youth

Nov 8, 2024 | edpost.com | Sharif El-Mekki

The Black Panther Party for Self-Defense turned 58 this October. Its Ten-point Platform and Program, written by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, is as vital as ever. As a Black man who grew up as one of the Children of the Struggle, with parents and cousins in the Black Panther Party (BPP), attended schools founded by our people, and was raised by Panthers, I feel deeply the connection to each of the demands in the list of 10.
Why the Black Panther Party’s Vision for Education Still Matters

Nov 6, 2024 | northendagents.com | Sharif El-Mekki

By Sharif El-MekkiThe Black Panther Party for Self Defense turned 58 this October. Its Ten-point Platform and Program, written by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, is as vital as ever. As a Black man who grew up as one of the Children of the Struggle — with parents and cousins in the Black Panther Party (BPP), attended schools founded by our people, and was raised by Panthers — I feel deeply the connection to each of the demands in the list of 10.
Black Panther Party's Ten-Point Platform: A Call for Educational Change

Nov 4, 2024 | spokesman-recorder.com | Sharif El-Mekki

The Black Panther Party for Self Defense turned 58 this October. Its Ten-Point Platform and Program, written by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, is as vital as ever. As a Black man who grew up as one of the Children of the Struggle—with parents and cousins in the Black Panther Party (BPP), attended schools founded by our people, and was raised by Panthers—I feel deeply the connection to each of the demands in the list of 10.
Is Extended Time the Key to Solving Chronic Absenteeism?

Oct 30, 2024 | edpost.com | Sharif El-Mekki

Chronic absenteeism has nearly doubled in public schools across the country since the pandemic. Better than a quarter of students are missing 10% or more of school days. According to recent data, that number is much higher in Philadelphia – nearly 37%.