Sharif El-Mekki Official Street Naming Ceremony

The City of Philadelphia is honoring Sharif El-Mekki, Founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development, for his 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.

Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 3:00 PM

Lancaster Avenue & 52nd Street | Philadelphia, PA 19131

* Rain Location: Bible Way Baptist Church, 1323 N 52nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19131

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.