The Perspectives of Black Church Leaders and the Empowerment of Black Male Students

• In Event: Using Religious and Community Assets to Foster Social Identity and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy

Abstract

Contextualized in the historical role of Black Churches as agents of social justice, this study drew on a critical pedagogy framework to investigate the perspectives of Black Church leaders on their roles in addressing the educational concerns of Black male students. Designed as a two-stage interview of 13 leaders from diverse generations, denominations, and states, the results indicated that despite leaders’ critical awareness of educational inequities and their consensus on the relevance of Black Churches as potential sources of empowerment and advocacy, as pivotal organizations within Black communities, they are grossly underutilized. Recommendations highlighted the need for expanded partnerships and the initiation of critical dialogues within the church and in the broader community, particularly with educators and educational institutions.

Authors

• Deborah King McEwan, Florida Atlantic University

• Dilys Schoorman, Florida Atlantic University