Sharif Abdullah
Shariff Abdullah (born Sherwood James Sanders; March 24, 1951) is an attorney, academic, and writer. He works in the field of social, cultural and spiritual transformation. He is a proponent of an inclusive global human society. Shariff Abdullah teaches groups and individuals how to understand and practice inclusivity – the connection with all beings. Abdullah's writings include "The Power of One: Authentic Leadership in Turbulent Times" and "Creating a World That Works for All". He is the founder and president of Commonway Institute, the originator of the Commons Café and the Common Society Movement. Early years. Abdullah was  born Sherwood James Sanders on March 24, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and reared in Camden, New Jersey. Abdullah received a BA in Psychology from Clark University and earned a juris doctor degree from Boston University School of Law. Abdullah passed the bar exam in North Carolina in 1977 and began practicing law with Legal Services of the Southern Piedmont (based in Charlotte, North Carolina). Work with Sarvodaya in Sri Lanka. Since 1996, Abdullah has worked with Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya (Sarvodaya). He currently volunteers as a senior advisor to Sarvodaya.