Returning to Philadelphia is always a special experience, but this recent visit was particularly meaningful for Dr. Nosakhere Griffin-EL. Surrounded by his wife, two sons, elders, friends, and fellow Freedom School alumni, Dr. Griffin-EL was honored to receive the inaugural Dr. Bob Moses Award for Excellence in Educational Accessibility from Philadelphia Freedom Schools.

This recognition holds profound significance for Dr. Griffin-EL, as it was bestowed by an institution that played a pivotal role in shaping his youth, nurturing his dreams, and teaching him the power of using his voice to envision and create a better, more beautiful world. Receiving an award named after the legendary Civil Rights leader and educational innovator Dr. Bob Moses was a humbling moment, connecting Dr. Griffin’s own work to an enduring legacy of transforming education for Black children.

For the past six years, Dr. Griffin-EL has been dedicated to connecting the power of dreaming and reading to uplift and transform lives. This honor affirms his commitment to ensuring that every child has access to transformative learning experiences that inspire dreams of individual fulfillment and social impact.

Dr. Griffin-EL expressed his gratitude to Philadelphia Freedom Schools for their recognition and for continuing to stand as a beacon of what is possible when communities invest in the dreams of children. Carrying this award forward, he remains deeply resolved to honor its legacy through his ongoing work in education.