Sharif El-Mekki's $20M Initiative for Black Educators Sparks Debate

Sharif El-Mekki's Center for Black Educator Development draws both praise and criticism for its focus on same-race teaching in schools.

Sharif El-Mekki, a former teacher and principal, founded the Center for Black Educator Development (CBED) in 2019 to increase the presence of Black teachers in classrooms.
CBED has received nearly $20 million in funding from major donors, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Nike, and the Bezos Family Foundation.
The organization aims to train teachers in 'education activism' and promote anti-racist mindsets, which some critics argue is a form of segregation.
El-Mekki's approach is rooted in his background, including his family's ties to the Black Panther Party and his experiences in Iran's education system.
Despite controversy, CBED has expanded its influence nationwide, securing contracts with school districts and training thousands of educators.