Meshach Obafemi represents a growing segment of young professionals in Chicago who balance multiple roles while contributing to their communities. At just 24 years old, he’s already taken on responsibilities as a basketball coach, a security guard, and a university student. Raised in the Beverly neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, Obafemi has consistently sought out ways to serve others—whether through mentoring youth, safeguarding public spaces, or supporting family-run ventures.
This article examines Meshach Obafemi’s background, educational journey, professional responsibilities, and personal commitments. It offers a clear view into how one individual’s pursuit of purpose is closely tied to community involvement, leadership development, and educational ambition.
Early Life and Roots in Beverly, Chicago
Meshach Obafemi’s upbringing in the Beverly neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side played a significant role in shaping his values and worldview. Beverly is known for its blend of historic homes and a diverse population that includes working professionals, families, and longtime residents. Within this environment, Obafemi found both challenges and support systems that laid the foundation for his path toward mentorship and education.
Obafemi attended Saint Rita of Cascia High School, a Catholic institution recognized for its focus on discipline, academics, and athletics. There, he developed a passion for basketball that would later influence his professional choices. High school offered him structure and community—a space where his leadership traits began to surface.
Academic Path at National Louis University
Currently, Obafemi is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Teaching at National Louis University, a Chicago-based institution known for producing educators and social service professionals. His expected graduation year is 2024.
This academic focus reflects his long-term goal: to mentor children formally and obtain the credentials necessary to coach basketball in Illinois. The program at National Louis emphasizes child development, classroom strategy, and ethical teaching practices—providing Obafemi with tools to better understand and guide young learners both on and off the court.
Obafemi is presently in his junior year, balancing coursework with employment and coaching responsibilities. The decision to pursue teaching, especially early childhood education, signals a deeper interest in shaping lives during the most formative years—a commitment not all aspiring coaches choose to make.
Professional Experience at Trophy Room Sports Lounge
One of Meshach Obafemi’s current roles is serving as a Security Guard at Trophy Room, a popular sports lounge in Chicago. The venue is well-known among local sports fans for its engaging atmosphere, live games, and community events.
His job involves more than monitoring entrances and checking IDs. As a security professional in a high-traffic public setting, Obafemi ensures the safety of guests, diffuses potential conflicts, and serves as a point of contact for both patrons and staff. These responsibilities have given him experience in crowd management, crisis prevention, and public interaction—skills that complement his coaching and educational aspirations.
Trophy Room also aligns with his passion for sports. As a loyal fan of the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks, Bears, and Cubs, he appreciates the culture and excitement surrounding sports communities. Working in an environment that celebrates local teams adds a personal dimension to his professional duties.
Coaching at The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division
Perhaps the most defining aspect of Meshach Obafemi’s career is his work as a Basketball Coach and Gym Assistant at The Salvation Army Chicago Metropolitan Division. He has held this position since May 2021, accumulating over four years of experience.
In this role, Obafemi is responsible for coaching youth basketball teams, maintaining accurate stats, and organizing games. He also monitors safety at the sports facility, making sure all participants and guests are secure during events.
His coaching style is grounded in discipline, encouragement, and teaching fundamentals. More importantly, he sees coaching not just as a way to improve athletic performance, but as a platform to guide young people toward better decision-making, teamwork, and goal-setting.
This position reflects his dedication to youth development—particularly within underserved areas of Chicago. Through his work, he provides structure and mentorship to children who may not otherwise have consistent positive male role models in their lives.
Personal Life and Community Ties
Outside of his professional and academic commitments, Meshach Obafemi remains grounded through strong family and community ties. He is married to Nia Scaife, who runs a business called The Simple Purpose Skin and Beauty. The brand focuses on skincare products and holistic self-care—areas that have gained significant attention in recent years for their contributions to wellness and confidence-building.
Obafemi’s support for his wife’s entrepreneurial endeavors reflects his broader outlook on partnership and local business. The couple exemplifies a collaborative approach to life, where mutual support and shared aspirations are central to their journey.
Additionally, Obafemi’s identity as an African American male from Chicago informs his awareness of the socio-economic and cultural dynamics that shape life in the city. He uses this understanding to connect with young people in ways that are relatable and impactful. Whether in the gym, classroom, or lounge, he remains conscious of how representation matters—especially for boys growing up in similar neighborhoods.
Role as a Mentor
What sets Meshach Obafemi apart is his ongoing commitment to mentorship. While many pursue coaching or teaching separately, Obafemi sees both paths as interconnected. His educational goals are not merely a requirement for licensure; they are an extension of his desire to positively shape the futures of children.
He views mentoring as a long-term investment—not just a seasonal engagement during basketball practice. This includes offering advice on academic performance, encouraging youth to avoid violence and substance abuse, and helping young athletes understand the importance of respect, resilience, and responsibility.
In a city like Chicago, where youth face multiple layers of challenges, having dedicated mentors like Obafemi can significantly influence outcomes for individual kids. His approach is less about creating star athletes and more about helping young people become accountable citizens and confident leaders.
Future Outlook: Licensure and Community Impact
As he nears completion of his bachelor’s degree, Obafemi’s next major milestone will be acquiring state licensure to officially coach basketball in Illinois schools. This step will open up further opportunities, including working with public or private school sports programs and possibly serving as a classroom teacher.
Beyond coaching, Obafemi could also transition into youth counseling, school administration, or after-school program leadership, depending on how he chooses to apply his academic background. Regardless of the path, the consistent factor will be his focus on serving others.
His dual expertise in education and security also presents potential for leading safe youth spaces—community gyms, learning centers, or mentorship hubs—that address both educational enrichment and physical safety.
Summary of Skills and Competencies
Throughout his career, Meshach Obafemi has demonstrated a set of transferable skills that align with his goals:
- Leadership and Coaching: Running basketball practices, organizing games, and guiding youth.
- Educational Framework: Knowledge of early childhood development and teaching methods.
- Security and Public Safety: Managing crowds, preventing conflicts, and ensuring facility safety.
- Community Engagement: Strong ties to Chicago-based institutions and small businesses.
- Communication: Working with children, parents, peers, and community leaders in various settings.
These abilities position him to take on greater leadership roles as he continues developing professionally and academically.
Conclusion
Meshach Obafemi exemplifies the intersection of mentorship, education, and civic responsibility. Raised on Chicago’s South Side, he has turned his personal experiences into a roadmap for helping others. Whether it’s coaching youth basketball, supporting his wife’s business, working security at a sports lounge, or pursuing a degree in education, each role contributes to a broader vision of community upliftment.
With licensure on the horizon and years of experience behind him, Obafemi is poised to become a lasting figure in the lives of many young Chicagoans. His story underscores the value of persistence, education, and purpose-driven work—especially when rooted in one’s own community.
FAQs
- Who is Meshach Obafemi?
Meshach Obafemi is a basketball coach, security professional, and education student based in Chicago, Illinois. - Where does Meshach Obafemi work?
He works at Trophy Room as a security guard and also coaches youth basketball at The Salvation Army. - What is Meshach Obafemi studying?
He is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at National Louis University. - What are Meshach Obafemi’s goals?
He aims to mentor young people and obtain a license to coach basketball professionally in Illinois. - Is Meshach Obafemi involved in community work?
Yes, his roles in coaching and mentoring focus on youth development and community support in Chicago.