Khalil Munir, Class of 2001
Award-winning actor, Khalil Munir earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Adelphi University in Theater in 2005. He is currently a teaching artist at various institutions across Philadelphia offering classes in theater and creative movement. Khalil wrote, produced, and performs his one-man show, “1 Pound 4 Ounces” at the National Jewish Museum in Philadelphia. This is an autobiographical piece depicting his life journey including his time at DVFriends and how he has coped with his learning challenges. Khalil joined the Delaware Valley Friends School faculty teaching creative movement and theater in the Middle School. He has recently published his first children's book, The Crown is Yours, a story that speaks to a young boy's "superpower" of dyslexia and his ways of triumph. You can buy your copy at https://crownisyours.com/.
When did you come to DVFriends, and from where?
I came to DVFriends in 9th Grade from the Creative and Performing Arts High School in Philadelphia.
Can you tell us a little bit about your learning difference and your struggles in school?
I am dyslexic but didn’t know that until a former teacher helped me get tested and then suggested DVFriends. My main academic challenges were in reading, writing, spelling, and math. School in general was very difficult.
What changed for you at DVFriends?
I spent two years in the Summer Program before I became a full-time student. At DVFriends, my whole outlook on education changed. I found DVFriends a place where I was accepted, and where I could find my truth and expand on it and create both an academic life and a social life. But I didn’t feel like I lost my friends in the city. I could be at DVFriends and still participate in Freedom Theater and go to my friends’ proms. Being at DVFriends just created another family for me.
Do you have any special memories from your time at DV?
Playing sports was a memorable part of my DVFriends career. I played basketball - and I think I still hold the DV scoring record. My coaches always said I could go to Division I college for sports, but, by this time, the arts had a hold on me and I chose that over basketball. When I was at DVFriends, there was no outlet for the kind of performing arts I was into, but a friend and I shared a love of tap dancing, so we got together and set up a program where we could perform at school.
What do you think the long-term value of a DVFriends education has been for you?
For me, it is the sense of community. I also value being able to come back and be a teacher here now where I have the opportunity to instill what I've learned in life in the kids. I can come from a place where I know where they are and what they feel because I was there. DVFriends also taught me self-reliance and to advocate for myself and to not be afraid or ashamed to ask for help when I need it.
Have you earned any special achievements or awards you'd like to share with us?
I’m really proud of my show, “1 Pound 4 Ounces,” and I was very honored to be chosen as the DVFriends Alumnus of the Year in 2011. Most recently, I am thrilled to have published my first children's book, The Crown is Yours, about a young student with dyslexia.
Anything else you'd like to share about DVFriends or what you've been doing since graduation?
Right now, I’m enjoying exploring life. I’m committed to taking life by horns, creating what I want, and living by my own standards and terms.