Tamir D. Harper is a rising college freshman and a Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholar at American University studying Secondary Education and PR & Strategic Communications. When Tamir was 17 years old, Tamir Co-Founded UrbEd Inc., a nonprofit that advocates for a quality and efficient urban education, by working to disband the school-to-prison pipeline, increase teacher diversity, improve building conditions, and advocate for local control of schools.

Tamir has a mission to create sustainable change for generations. With that mission, Tamir has had the honor of serving in many capacities. Tamir currently serves as the Executive Director of UrbEd Inc and the Programs Director for the Black Youth Network. He formerly served as the National Policy Director for Student Voice, the National Student Officer for Educators Rising, and as the longest serving Commissioner on the City of Philadelphia Youth Commission. He has had the opportunity to serve as a three year member of the School District of Philadelphia Superintendent’s Advisory Council and as a member of the School District of Philadelphia k-12 Counseling Advisory Group and as the Chairman & Commissioner of the Philadelphia Youth Commission. Serving in those capacities has educated, empowered, and inspired him about youth and advocacy work.

In 2016, Tamir traveled to Washington, D.C. to serve on a panel for the United States Office of Education concerning teacher diversity moderated by former Secretary of Education John King and started working with Black Male Educators for Social Justice to improve teacher diversity. Holding true to his passion, Tamir believes that students should receive diversity in their schools, funding in their schools, and a quality education that allows every student to succeed. Tamir will continue advocating for all youth in similar situations and strives to play a role in creating sustainable change for generations. Tamir looks forward to returning to Philadelphia and entering the classroom after graduating from American University.