The powerful footsteps and fingerprints of the Amazing Brother John Skief will be felt through the anal of time. His journey to uplift and re-introduce our people to our rich and historical African greatness is an example of love, sacrifice, commitment, dedication, and sheer vision.
In our lifetime, it is rare to find men who have maintained a level of complete perseverance and fortitude.
It would literally take a prolific and intentional study and testimony of the hundreds of souls he has touched and built during and after his proud journey to properly write a biographic story of this African Educational Giant commonly known as “Brother Skief.”
This article is a mere microcosm and brief reminder of how a Black General built such a legacy of Excellence and accomplishment while walking on this earth.
Every working day as a proud teacher, when I walk through the doors of Harambee Institute of Science and Technology Charter School, I am consumed with the loving spirit of the founder and architect, Baba Skief.
As I walk to my classroom while mentally preparing for lessons and the challenges of each day, I am overwhelmed, reminded, and strengthened by the Legacy and kujichagulia of Baba John Skief!
Baba Skief was a firm believer that teaching children to develop a healthy sense of self-esteem was critical to their educational process. He noticed how Black children were impacted by the negative manner in which the American media portrayed African-Americans. He also took notice of the countless number of young Black males who responded to the negative portrayal by acting out what they saw in the media. Baba Skief realized that the only way to correct these misconceptions was to restore our true identity by reconnecting us to our African Heritage.
Baba Skief dedicated his life to developing a curriculum that would teach young Black children the ultimate power of defining themselves based on principles of truth and not the lies, misconceptions, and prejudices of others who did not have our people in their best interest.
Baba Skief’s curriculum and vision became a
cornerstone of African-centered education.
The story and legacy of African-centered education in the State of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia cannot be told without paying tribute and homage to our brother Baba Skief.
As Pennsylvania’s first African-Centered Charter School, Harambee Institute of Science and Technology has become a powerful and sound model for (both) charter schools and traditional public schools. Since its inception, Harambee has been a frontrunner in community service and development. The amazing school founded by John Skief has served as a local and state source for visual and performing arts and has been identified as a leader in educational and training programs. Harambee has earned the support and love of the West Philadelphia community and recognition of state and local officials.
Baba John Skief envisioned an African-centered public school that would distinguish itself from traditional schooling by providing a holistic, comprehensive socialization system designed to uplift the Black community, elevate our children, and build the spirits of our people.
In order to provide such an education, Baba John Skief realized that a school must have fundamental components upon which to build.
The four fundamental and essential components are:
1-Curriculum and Curriculum Infusion: The history, culture, literature, contributions, and aesthetics of African people are infused throughout the formal and informal curricula and rehearsed and celebrated both in and outside the classroom.
2-Pedagogy (Teaching and Learning Approaches and methods): African-centered education is not just about what the educators teach but how they teach and assess. At Harambee, scholars use methods that are culturally synchronistic and consistent with the learning styles of African children through traditional African methodologies and learning.
3-Use of African-Centered Value System: Harambee has developed a system to ensure a physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually safe environment and space for students and staff to develop into their best selves and contribute to their families, communities, and race. Examples are the emphasis and example of the Traditional African Virtues of Maat and Nguzu Saba (7 principles of Kwanzaa) as the cornerstone of the code of conduct. The daily recitation and application of these principles are essential.
4- Use of Rituals, Rites, Enculturation Practices: Throughout the school year, Harambee has adopted enculturation practices designed to assist students in learning the values, remembering the sacrifices, and continuing the traditional culture of African and Indigenous people. Harambee examples of this are the pouring of libation to honor our ancestors, morning circles, celebration of Kwanzaa and the Umoja Karamu, use of traditional African greetings and protocols, use of Ki-Swahili words and language, and Rites of Passage programs.
Stepping up to the Challenge
The Harambee Institute was formed as an Independent Black Institution (IBI) in 1973 in response to a sustained teacher strike in the school district of Philadelphia. During that time, founder John Skief, Baba Joe Foster, Baba Kaleb Whitby, and their other colleagues set up “Educational Hubs” in West Philadelphia to ensure that student education and schooling would not be interrupted. They believed it was up to them, as Black educators, to take ownership of their issues within the community and provide solutions to the challenges they faced–hence the name “HARAMBEE,” which is Ki-Swahilli for “LET’S PULL TOGETHER” was created!
Though Baba John Skief transitioned in 2007, his influence and inspiration in both African-centered studies and education reform continue to have an impact throughout Philadelphia and beyond. Today, Harambee Institute of Science and Technology Charter School remains a beacon of Excellence and thrives under the strong leadership of CEO Baba Gregory Shannon!
Khabyr Hadas is a Pan-African Educator, Garveyite, and teacher of African history and Culture at Harambee Institute. He is the author of Oneness of the Blacks & Afrikan Struggle Inherited and a graduate of Cheyney University khabyrhadas@gmail.com.
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