Recognizing October as Black Male Educators Month in the City of Philadelphia and honoring the Center for Black Educator Development and the National #WeNeedBlackTeachers Campaign for their leadership in the recruitment, development, and retention of Black male educators.

WHEREAS, The National #WeNeedBlackTeachers campaign has highlighted decades of research showing the transformative impact of Black educators on student outcomes, particularly for Black youth; and

WHEREAS, Through digital organizing, these student activists ignited the campaign using the hashtag #WeNeedBlackTeachers, generating online dialogue with impressions surpassing six million, all with the goal of transforming the way young people, especially Black students who lack teacher representation experience education; and

WHEREAS, The campaign calls on individuals, institutions, and communities to join in amplifying its mission and rebuilding the National Black Teacher Pipeline. Research shows that when Black students have just one Black elementary school teacher, they are 29% more likely to go to college, and with two Black teachers, they are 32% more likely to attend college; and

WHEREAS, Black male educators play a vital role in countering bias and fostering equitable learning, yet they remain deeply underrepresented, comprising fewer than 2% of public-school teachers nationwide and less than 5% in Philadelphia. A City where culturally responsive support is most needed, leaving most students to complete their K-12 education without ever being taught by a Black man; and

WHEREAS, The Center for Black Educator Development has demonstrated visionary leadership in advancing the recruitment, development, and retention of Black male educators through its research, advocacy, apprenticeships, and national partnerships, including the #WeNeedBlackTeachers campaign; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Herby recognizes October as Black Male Educators Month and honors the Center for Black Educator Development and the #WeNeedBlackTeachers Campaign for their leadership in building and sustaining the Black male educator pipeline.

FINALLY RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the council president's office and the chief clerk's office in sincere gratitude for their accomplishments.

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