Breakfast Guest: Hakim Kashif

On Monday morning we were privileged to welcome Mr. Hakim Kashif for breakfast with the students and staff.  A native of the Lower 9th Ward, and a graduate of St. Augustine’s and SUNO, Mr. Kashif had all the ingredients in place for a successful life.  Soon after college, however, Mr. Kashif became involved with drugs, quickly becoming one of the highest volume cocaine dealers in the Lower 9th.   He aspired to have all the things that money could buy, and dealing drugs provided a quick and easy way to get rich.  In his pursuit of material status, Mr. Kashif was eventually caught and sentenced to 22 years in the federal penal system.  A few months ago he finished serving his sentence.

Ironically, it was in jail where Mr. Kashif found his voice and developed his innate leadership qualities.  He read every book in the prison library, finding hope and strength in the person he knew he had the power to become, and using the example of Jesus as his inspiration.  He quickly became a model inmate, serving as a counselor and role model to his fellow prisoners.  Now, as he reclaims his life, Mr. Kashif has devoted himself to helping young people avoid the mistakes that he made.  He spoke to our students about the word ”resurrection,” and how he has risen to new heights by putting his trust in God. 

Mr. Kashif expressed his wish that programs like Cafe Reconcile had been in place when he was making the negative choices that would lead to his eventual incarceration.  Though he was quick to point out that young people need to find their inner leader, he acknowledged the importance of having someone to help you figure out how to find it.  Mr. Kashif’s words of wisdom certainly helped us today.  We are very grateful for his visit!