Black Educators, Bold Futures: A Conversation with Sharif El-Mekki

Some conversations feel like a strategy session.
This one felt like legacy work.

In this episode of Brave Voices in Education, I sit down with my dear Brother and Mentor (in my head), Sharif El-Mekki — founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development — for a powerful conversation on community, courage, political education, and the urgent need to rebuild the Black teacher pipeline.

Sharif is a Philly son, former principal, national thought leader, and truth-teller who grounds everything in love and liberation. Together, we explore:

• How community prepares you for storms you didn’t see coming

• Why humility and servant leadership matter in this moment

• The origin of #WeNeedBlackTeachers — a rallying cry birthed by Black high school students

• Why education has always been political (whether we admit it or not)

• Baldwin’s warning about history — and why erasure is never neutral

• The role of primary sources, deep reading, and critical thinking in an age of disinformation

Sharif reminds us that courage doesn’t mean you aren’t afraid. It means you walk the path anyway — preferably in community.

If you care about Black children.
If you believe education is liberation work.
If you’re trying to stay brave in a time that rewards silence.
This episode is for you.

🎧 Learn more at BraveVoicesPod.com
Follow Sharif: @selmekki
Follow CBED: @centerblacked
Join the movement: #WeNeedBlackTeachers

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