A Brooklyn native, David C. Banks began his career as a school safety officer before teaching at P.S. 167 and later becoming the founding principal of the Bronx School for Law, Government and Justice. 

Banks advocates for partnerships between schools and communities, focusing on academic excellence, leadership, and character development. He created the first Eagle Academy in 2004 as part of New York City’s high school reform initiative, which has since expanded nationwide. 

He co-founded Black EdFluencers United and has been involved with various educational organizations, including the International Boys’ Schools Coalition and the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color. 

Banks graduated from Rutgers University and earned a Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University School of Law. He received an honorary doctorate from Wheelock College in 2014. Banks lives in New York City with his four adult children and three granddaughters. 

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