Sharif is a leader and a warrior. He is a man of action, a worker. He is passionate about his people and his work for them through the Malcolm X Foundation. He conveys his passion when he speaks. He speaks honestly and with sincerity.

Sharif has been married for 15 years and he and his wife Gabrielle have 3 children.  His oldest son is Parris, his youngest son is Zaiid and his daughter is Chéamera.  Gabrielle is an acclaimed art teacher at the Beveridge Magnet Middle School for the Arts and Global Studies.

Sharif joined the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation in 1992, as a 17 year old, just prior to beginning his Senior year of high school. He was soon selected as 2nd Vice President. His primary responsibilities included volunteer management and youth activity coordination. He became interim President in 2004 and was voted into presidency in 2005.

Sharif graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in Black Studies.  He is back at UNO now in the Master of Public Administration program.  Also, he works on a K-12 Student Engagement and Attendance Initiative, sponsored by Building Bright Futures, through the University.