Chaka Fattah Success Story

Childhood

Chaka is the adopted child of David and Falaka Fattah, community activists of West Philadelphia. His parents are, in fact, building ‘urban boys town’ through the House of Umoja, their organization. He has five brothers, and has lived in the same city all his life. He went to the Overbrook High School, and has a degree in MGA from the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Early Career

Before Chaka joined the Congress, he served as a member of Pennsylvania House of Representatives, for a period of six years, from 1982 to 1988. He has also been a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1988 to 1994. In 1994, he challenged Blackwell of Democratic primary, and defeated him with 86% votes. Since then, Chaka has reigned supreme in that seat.

Career Highlights

In 1987, Fattah founded the Graduate Opportunity Initiative Conference, an annual 3-day scholarship and informational conference. This conference is dedicated to increasing the enrollment of under-represented students, graduating in Math, Engineering, Technology and Sciences. The other notable contributions of his, include Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), the Fattah Neuroscience Initiative, National Cooperative Development Act and the Benefit Bank, to mention a few.

He has also attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and received a certificate in Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Governments.

Today, Chaka Fattah is serving the 11^th term in the US House of Representatives.

Reputation

In 2002, the Politics PA list named him among the Best Dressed Legislators, probably due to his superiority in Haberdashery. The ‘Time’ magazine has listed him among the top 50 most promising leaders of the nation.

Personal Life

Fattah has been married thrice, with Renee Chenault-Fattah being his current wife. They have one daughter, Chandler Fattah, and a stepdaughter from Renee. From his previous wives, he has one daughter and one son. In his leisure time, he likes to play golf, and is an enthusiastic biker.

Achievements

Fattah has to his credit numerous awards; State Legislator of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Public Interest Coalition, and the Simpson Fletcher Award for religion & race. He has received 10 honorary doctorates, in addition to the Fels Institute of Government Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Pennsylvania.

Chaka Fattah Speech at the Coalition for Community Schools