ABOUT  DR. KHALFANI

Dr. Khalfani is a Community Servant, Change Agent, Author, and Professor. He is a long time active West Orange, New Jersey resident who currently serves on the West Orange Human Relations Commission and was Vice President of the West Orange African Heritage Organization. He wants to bring a Positive Change for America.

Putting His Experience
to Work

Akil grew up in South Central Los Angeles, where his parents raised him along with his three siblings in a tight extended family and community. His grandparents lived in the original family house next door and his aunt lived in the apartment upstairs. The lived values of family, community, integrity, and perseverance have served and sustained him.  He was the first in his family to earn a college degree.

After graduating from Los Angeles High School and the University of California, Santa Cruz, Akil chose the University of Pennsylvania where his graduate studies focused on race relations and African Studies.  His years at UPenn were not only academically transformative but personally so.  For the past 27 years, Dr. Khalfani, a Sociologist by training, holds a strong reputation as a scholar and committed community leader.  

Akil has been honored many times for his long-standing commitment to the residents of New Jersey and beyond through his leadership work dismantling racial and social inequities, improving public education, and addressing homelessness.  He has been a Professor of Sociology and Africana Studies, and the Director of the Africana Institute at Essex County College for nearly 15 years.  He is an active member of the West Orange Human Relations Commission. He has worked with community, political, religious and educational leaders and change agents in New Jersey for over 22 years.  

The main lesson Akil learned growing up was that to accomplish great things it takes a community working together.  He has been working for the people ever since. 

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Next: More Experience and Qualifications             

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