Celebrate the Unveiling of Sharif El-Mekki Way
Join us for the official unveiling of Sharif El-Mekki Way.
The City of Philadelphia is honoring Sharif El-Mekki, Founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development, for decades of service to Philadelphia’s students, educators, schools, and communities.
Sharif’s career has been deeply rooted in Philadelphia. He has served as a classroom teacher, principal, community leader, and advocate, including 11 years leading Mastery Charter Shoemaker in West Philadelphia. In 2014, he founded The Fellowship: Black Male Educators for Social Justice, and in 2019, founded the Center for Black Educator Development, where he now leads a national movement to strengthen the recruitment, preparation, and retention of Black educators.
The naming of Sharif El-Mekki Way recognizes decades of commitment to Philadelphia’s children, educators and communities, and the collective work to expand educational opportunity and strengthen the Black teacher pipeline.
Join Sharif’s family, friends, colleagues, educators, and community for this special celebration.
Ceremony Details
Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 3:00 PM
52nd Street & Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131
* Rain Location: Bible Way Baptist Church, 1323 N 52nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Continue the Celebration
Following the ceremony, guests are invited to Teaching Freedom: Philadelphia’s Black Dreamkeepers, 1976–2026, a public exhibit celebration beginning at 5:30 PM at Parkway Central Library, West Gallery One, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Space for the exhibit celebration is limited. Please reserve your spot in advance.
Special thanks to Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. for his leadership in making this honor possible.
