The Center for Black Educator Development

February 28, 2026. A statement from Sharif El-Mekki, founder and CEO of The Center for Black Educator Development: “Black educators are essential to educational excellence. Truth telling strengthens our democracy. Equity is not optional. It is our responsibility. The recent district court ruling protects educators’ livelihoods and their responsibility to teach honestly. At a time of severe teacher shortages, it sends a clear message. Educators can enter and remain in this profession bringing their full selves to the classroom and creating inclusive environments where every student belongs.” The Center's logo is included.

A victory for academic freedom.

This month, the U.S. Department of Ed's Feb 2025 "Dear Colleague" directive was permanently struck down.

CBED Founder & CEO @selmekki.bsky.social shares what this means: https://thecenterblacked.org/sharif-el-mekki-on-dei-ruling-academic-freedom/

This image is a promotional flyer titled "AI in Action: An Equity Learning Lab." It announces a professional learning experience for K-12 educators, scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, to be held virtually via Zoom. The flyer elaborates on the event's purpose, focusing on AI's role in education. It details the target audience, including educators and instructional leaders, and lists potential benefits, such as classroom-ready examples of AI for culturally responsive teaching. The Center for Black Educator Development and Generation AI logos are displayed. A registration link is provided.

We're running out of room for our virtual AI in Action: An Equity Learning lab event on March 3 from 6 PM to 7:30 PM EST!

Register soon to attend: https://thecenterblacked-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_T3ao6ttMRVyA5ntPDujWBQ#/registration

#GenerationAI

The image is a hiring announcement for the Freedom Schools Literacy Academy by the Center for Black Educator Development. The background shows a group of people outdoors, with one person speaking. Text details the job openings for teachers and professional educators, focusing on literacy skills and positive racial identity for scholars in the 2026 summer program. The application deadline is March 27, 2026, at 11:59 pm.

Help mentor the future and grow the #BlackTeacherPipeline!
Join the Center's #FreedomSchoolsLiteracyAcademy as a Coach this summer in Philadelphia or virtually.
Apply for Summer 2026; the deadline is March 27:
https://thecenterblacked.org/fsla-home/educators/

#WeNeedBlackTeachers

Sharif El-Mekki of @centerblacked.bsky.social  discusses the “trifecta” so many Black male educators carry: what they experienced as students, what they face as professionals, and the daily choice to protect kids anyway.

❗Watch the full conversation on #UMME.
#WeNeedBlackTeachers #Education #SEL

This image is a podcast episode cover for Code Switch titled "The history of Black History Month, one hundred years in." It includes a play button indicating a 35-minute listen and mentions hosts Gene Demby and B.A. Parker. A person is sitting and wearing a beige sweater. There are icons for listening platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Photo by Camilla Greenwell, courtesy of Harper Collins.

If you haven’t listened yet, tune in to NPR’s Code Switch featuring Dr. Jarvis Givens discussing the history and meaning of Black History Month and his powerful new book.

Listen here: https://www.npr.org/2026/02/04/nx-s1-5690184/the-history-of-black-history-month-one-hundred-years-in

Poster for Netroots Nation featuring "Vote for our 2026 Panel" and the title "250 Years Later: Rebuilding the Black Teacher Pipeline for Democracy." Includes the Center for Black Educator Development logo.

Vote for our @netrootsnation.bsky.social session: “250 Years Later: Rebuilding the Black Teacher Pipeline for Democracy.”

https://netrootsnation.secure-platform.com/nn26/gallery/rounds/82014/details/13124

#WeNeedBlackTeachers #NetrootsNation #BlackTeacherPipeline

A promotional flyer for the Go Teach Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway. The flyer invites nominations for student-athletes to receive $2,500 in tuition support. It encourages submissions by March 16th via bit.ly/goteach2026. The flyer features logos for Go Teach, Dr Pepper, and the Center for Black Educator Development with outlined sports graphics.

Calling all HBCUs!

Dr. Pepper, in collaboration with The College Football Playoff Foundation's Go Teach initiative and CBED, is awarding HBCU student-athletes who are committed to becoming teachers upon graduation.

Nominate student-athletes: http://bit.ly/goteach2026

#GoTeach #WeNeedBlackTeachers

Promotional flyer titled "AI in Action: An Equity Learning Lab." Event for K-12 educators on March 3, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, held virtually via Zoom. Focus on using AI for culturally affirming instruction. Features Center for Black Educator Development logo and Generation AI branding. Registration link included.

AI is already in classrooms.
Let’s make sure it advances equity.

Join us on March 3 for AI in Action: An Equity Learning Lab, a virtual session for K–12 educators.

6:00–7:30 PM EST
Zoom : https://thecenterblacked-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_T3ao6ttMRVyA5ntPDujWBQ

#GenerationAI #AIinEducation

This image features a person wearing a T-shirt with the text "WE NEED BLACK TEACHERS" printed on it. Above, there's text indicating it's episode 58 of "unMASKing with MALE EDUCATORS." A quote on the image reads, "You can be your best and the system will still kill you. So how do you be your best and how do we address the inequities built into the system?" Below the quote is the name "Sharif El-Mekki" and the title "CEO and Founder of CBED."

In this podcast episode of UnMASKing with Male Educators with Ashanti Branch, the Center's CEO, Sharif El-Mekki, talks about what it really means to lead, teach, and show up fully as Black men in education: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OixyJjBTuQg&list=PLITAkV2XUrNXb89ZEcm4pzjg87BfoFpbX&index=2

“Woodson said this month wasn’t about calling in speakers to talk about ‘the race problem.’ It was about celebrating what we’ve studied & learned all year.” - @africanacarr.bsky.social

Watch "What You Need To Know About Black History Month" w/Dr. Carr: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fKqXZVR9Us

This is a promotional poster for an event titled "Remembering, Honoring, Multiplying the Black Educator Pipeline" on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 4:00-8:00pm at Morehouse College, Ray Charles Performing Arts Center. It is hosted by The Morehouse Center for Excellence in Education and The Center for Black Educator Development. The top features logos for the Center for Black Educator Development and Morehouse Center for Excellence in Education. The bottom shows a monochrome image of people seated at an event.

This #BlackHistoryMonth, join us for "Remembering, Honoring, Multiplying the Black Educator Pipeline" in Atlanta.

Feb. 25 at Morehouse College.

Register today:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/remembering-honoring-multiplying-the-black-educator-pipeline-tickets-1982386037001

#WeNeedBlackTeachers

Image announcing the 2026 Fellows for the AI in Education Leadership Catalyst by the Center for Black Educator Development. Includes pictures and titles: Dr. Craig Peppers, Clinical Education & Workforce Development Leader; Monica Lozano Caldera, Student Success, Leadership & Equity Strategist; Charles Randolph, Senior Instructional Technology Advisor. Logos of AI in Education Leadership Catalyst and Generation AI are visible.

We are proud to announce the selection of our 2026 AI Catalyst Fellows:
Dr. Craig Peppers, Clinical Educator & Workforce Development Leader
Monica Lozano Caldera, Student Success, Leadership & Equity Strategist
Charles Randolph, Senior Instructional Technology Advisor

#GenerationAI

This image is a flyer for the Freedom Schools Literacy Academy. It features a group of four people sitting together at a table in a classroom, smiling and interacting. A chalkboard is visible in the background. The text reads, "We Are Hiring High School Students!" It invites current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in driving social change in the classroom for a summer opportunity. The Center for Black Educator Development logo is displayed. The application deadline is April 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

SUMMER OPPORTUNITY FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS: Applications are open for Summer 2026 #FreedomSchoolsLiteracyAcademy!

You can get paid to support literacy, build leadership skills, and explore teaching in Philly.
Apply now:
https://thecenterblacked.org/fsla-home/high-school-students/

#WeNeedBlackTeachers

Panel event poster titled "Education, Entrepreneurism, & Entertainment" featuring panelists Etan Thomas, Dr. Anthony Outler, and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, with moderator Dr. Will Hayes. Includes logos for the Center for Black Educator Development and Morehouse Center for Excellence in Education. The event is on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 4:00-8:00pm at Morehouse College, Ray Charles Performing Arts Center (RayPAC).

Education doesn’t live in isolation. It intersects with culture.

Join us in Atlanta on Wednesday, Feb 25, for this dynamic panel: "Education, Entrepreneurism, & Entertainment."
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/remembering-honoring-multiplying-the-black-educator-pipeline-tickets-1982386037001

The image is a recruitment flyer for Freedom Schools Literacy Academy by the Center for Black Educator Development. The text reads, "We Are Hiring College-Aged Individuals!" It includes photos of people engaged in educational activities, such as reading and writing. A call to action button says "Apply Now!"

Now hiring for Summer 2026 #FreedomSchoolsLiteracyAcademy in Philly & online.

College-aged individuals interested in education can get paid while gaining real classroom experience.
Apply here: https://thecenterblacked.org/fsla-home/college-aged-individuals/

#WeNeedBlackTeachers

This image shows a celebration event by the Center for Black Educator Development, announcing a fundraising achievement of $102,498.50, surpassing a $100,000 goal. The top part displays the organization's logo and fundraising details. Below, a group of people is standing and smiling with colorful decorations in the background. Some wear shirts with inspirational messages.

WE DID IT!

Because of you, we reached our $100,000 fundraising goal.

Together, we honored 100 years since Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week and invested in the next generation of Black educators who will carry that legacy forward.

We are deeply grateful.

Still we teach. Still we rise.

The image shows a flyer for the Center for Black Educator Development. It includes the text "Teachers and Professional Educators: We Are Hiring." A person in a purple shirt and a child high-five outside near a brick wall. The text invites educators to join for the 2026 summer program.

This summer, don’t just teach, help rebuild the Black Teacher Pipeline.

The Center for Black Educator Development is hiring educators for our Freedom Schools Literacy Academy.

If you’re ready to lead, mentor, and grow this summer, apply now: https://thecenterblacked.org/fsla-home/educators/

Six photos of people's images. The event shown is titled "Remembering, Honoring, Multiplying the Black Educator Pipeline," scheduled for February 25, 2026, at Morehouse College's Ray Charles Performing Arts Center.

We’re bringing together powerful voices for #BlackHistoryMonth:
• Chris Stewart
• Etan Thomas
• Dr. Jarvis Givens
• Dr. Will Hayes
• Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf
• Dr. Anthony Outler

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/remembering-honoring-multiplying-the-black-educator-pipeline-tickets-1982386037001

This image is a promotional poster for an event titled "Remembering, Honoring, Multiplying the Black Educator Pipeline." It is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Morehouse College, Ray Charles Performing Arts Center (RayPAC). Logos for the Center for Black Educator Development and Morehouse Center for Excellence in Education are displayed at the top. A button labeled "RSVP Today" is included. The event is hosted by the Morehouse Center for Excellence in Education (MCEE) and the Center for Black Educator Development (CBED). A black-and-white background image shows people attentively watching an event.

This #BlackHistoryMonth, join us & the Morehouse Center for Excellence in Education in ATL for "Remembering, Honoring, and Multiplying the Black Educator Pipeline on Feb 25th.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/remembering-honoring-multiplying-the-black-educator-pipeline-tickets-1982386037001

A group of people are in a room with a sign above that reads "Freedom Schools Literacy Academy - We Are Hiring Teachers and Professional Educators." They are seated at a table with a presentation being conducted by a person standing by a whiteboard. The backdrop displays the "Center for Black Educator Development" logo.

Mentorship is how we grow the National #BlackTeacherPipeline!

We're looking for educators who want to be a #FreedomSchoolsLiteracyAcademy Site Lead this summer, either in Philadelphia or virtually.

Apply for Summer 2026:
https://thecenterblacked.org/fsla-home/educators/

#WeNeedBlackTeachers

We are grateful to current and retired NFL players who use their platforms to speak up for the educators who shaped their lives.

From belief and representation to legacy and opportunity, these voices remind us why #WeNeedBlackTeachers.

Thank you for speaking up for Black educators!

An illustrated image showing a person reading a book titled "Your Story" with two children by their side. The headline reads, "Preserving Black history must start in the classroom," from The Philadelphia Inquirer, dated February 7, 2026.

The Center for Black Educator Development's CEO, Sharif El-Mekki, reflects on Black history, Black teachers, & liberatory education in a Black History Month op-ed in the Philly Inquirer: https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/black-history-liberatory-education-black-teachers-20260207.html

City street view leading to Philadelphia City Hall at dusk, with illuminated buildings. A news overlay from Philadelphia Tribune announces an educational gathering focused on advancing Black history in schools.

Educators are gathering tonight & tomorrow to advance Black history in schools.
Still we teach. Still we rise. ✊🏾

Read more:
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/educators-to-gather-in-philadelphia-to-advance-black-history-in-schools/article_d8952d27-0f5f-4db9-8068-e67059681e74.html

Promotional poster for the Center for Black Educator Development's 2026 Summer Program, featuring the Freedom Schools Literacy Academy. The poster is colorful with images of students engaged in learning activities such as looking at a globe and participating in classroom discussions. A call to action, "Register today!" invites viewers to join the program.

The @centerblacked is excited to welcome families to #FreedomSchoolsLiteracyAcademy – Summer 2026!

Current K–2nd graders build strong reading skills, confidence, and joy in learning—online and in Philly.

Apply now: https://www.thecenterblacked.org/families

#WeNeedBlackTeachers

Annual Philly education conference aims to get more Black men into teaching Studies show Black students learn best with teachers who look like them, yet in Philly — where they’re the majority — only 4% of teachers are Black men.

HEP authors Leslie T. Fenwick and Camika Royal recently spoke at @centerblacked.bsky.social's Black Men in Education Convening. Read an article about this event published by WHYY here:

Promotional poster for Blackprint 20 Summit, featuring a stylized illustration of a person in profile with text announcing Early Bird tickets, event dates on February 6 & 7, 2026, and the Blackprint 20 Awards Banquet on February 7.

Still we teach. Still we rise. ✊🏾

Join us for BlackPrint20, a two-day gathering of educators, activists, and culture-shapers committed to freedom through education in Philadelphia, February 6 & 7, 2026:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/blackprint20center-for-black-educator-development-120768284481

A new report from NCTQ shows that 4 in 10 teacher prep programs are actively making the workforce less diverse. If we want classrooms that reflect and serve all students, we need to fix the pipeline: https://teacherdiversity.nctq.org/brief/driving-diversity-how-teacher-prep-can-accelerate-progress/

Promotional image for the Center for Black Educator Development featuring three individuals in a gym, with a call to action overlay text: 'We Need Your Support' and a 'Donate Now' button.

Today is #GivingTuesday!
As we stand on the edge of the 100-year anniversary of Black History Month, we honor the journey from Carter G. Woodson’s Negro History Week to today’s fight for education.

Donate to support our ongoing work: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/cbed-eoy-2025?refcode=gt-social

A full house watching speaker Dr. Leslie Fenwick speaking on stage

#BMEC2025 is underway. Who is in the house and on Bluesky? We want to hear from you!

#PowerToThePupil #WeNeedBlackTeachers

TOMORROW! We are so ready for #BMEC2025

Make sure you check your email for all the “know before you go” info and download your event app.

Travel safely and see you soon!