dafiqR

Bio: Dafiq Rasheed is a student at the Rutgers University, a proud older brother, an activist, and a dedicated public servant. His story began in Atlantic City where he was born and raised. He is a graduate of the Atlantic City High School, and alumni of the Presidential Classroom. Dafiq Rasheed began his public service in the Atlantic City Public School System, where he attended Uptown School Complex and served his final two years as the president of the student council. He is an advocate for the young people in Atlantic City. He understands the challenges our community faces and is committed to improving every inch of Atlantic City. For numerous years, Dafiq has been a role model for many of our city’s young people. He has been a mentor and supporter of our children. He worked as the computer instructor at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Atlantic City, where he emphasized building character through the core subjects. Today, Mr. Rasheed is still in contact with many of the children as they are faced with difficult times. He knows the importance of giving back to the community that has given him so much. For the past few years, Dafiq Rasheed has dedicated himself to public service, working to improve his city, state, and country he loves so much. In 2006, he won a seat on the Atlantic City Board of Education as the Student Representative, where he served thirteen months. At the time, Dafiq was 16 years old, making him the youngest to ever hold the seat. Committing several hours into his work, he was active in the implication of the high school uniform policy. As student rep, Dafiq also learned firsthand about legislating and budgeting. Because of his success on the School Board, Mr. Rasheed was awarded the United Way G.I.V.E. Award and the Fannie Lou Hamer, Ordinary People/Extraordinary Deeds Award. Dafiq Rasheed has been a strong advocate for public health issues, including HIV/AIDS, pre-natal care, breast cancer and lead poisoning in children. Health issues have been the main elements of Mr. Rasheed’s service. He has attended numerous workshops and conferences on HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and environmental health. Much of his philanthropic work has been in health clinics, hospices, hospitals, and nursing homes. Beyond his concern for his personal health and fitness, Dafiq is an advocate for programs that improve children's health through a more nutritional diet and exercise routine. Among his numerous awards and honors, Dafiq Rasheed has been named one of Morgan State University’s Most Outstanding Men by the Student Government Association. He is also the recipient of The Greater Atlantic City Youth Association ‘Huff Royal’ Scholarship and The Battle by the Bay Scholarship. In 2007, the City of Atlantic City and General Assembly of New Jersey presented a resolution to Mr. Rasheed for his unselfish volunteerism and service in the Atlantic City community. In July of 2005, at the age of 15, Dafiq was named Volunteer of the Week for the Jon Corzine for Governor Campaign. He has served on numerous boards and prides himself on his membership in different organizations, including the Young Democrats of America, Rites of Passage Program of Atlantic City, the Presidential Classroom, the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People, Boys and Girls Clubs of Atlantic City, and the Atlantic City Dolphins Football (2000-2003). He would love to continue his advocacy and activism on the City Council in his hometown, focusing on reducing violence, creating more jobs for residents, and making government work for the people. His energy and intellect would bring a great combination to City Hall. At the age of 19, he has been in the middle of government on all 3 levels. He summarizes his life in one of Gandhi’s quotes, “My greatness lay in doing what everybody can do, but do not.” Dafiq Rasheed is the proud son of Raushanah Rasheed and Dennis White. He prides himself of being the oldest brother of Rashaun, Dennis, Destiny, Myyae, and Mya. He currently resides in the Second Ward of Atlantic City. A student before all else, Dafiq plans to pursue a career in international relations following his graduation from college.