Exploring the Possibilities of Utilizing an Afrocentric Epistemological Lens

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Sixteen
  In Roundtable Session: Theoretical and Research Paradigms: Critical Examinations of Black and Afrocentric Epistemologies (Table 12)

Abstract

Within American educational research, there are a wide variety of paradigmatic epistemologies, however most of them are derived from Western Eurocentric ideas and beliefs about how knowledge is created, substantiated and known. There are other paradigms that can capture the truths of different lived experiences. In this qualitative narrative research study we use a an Afrocentric epistemological lens to explore the cultural roots of Black women’s leadership to capture their true lived experience of school and district-based leadership role in public educational settings. Emergent themes were relationship-focus leadership, the strong influence of families, and leadership counter-stories. The study also discusses the potential for further use of Afrocentric and Afrocentric feminist frameworks when studying Black women’s leadership.

Authors

• Lisa M. Grillo, Elizabeth Seton High School
  Presenting Author

• Sosanya M. Jones, Howard University
  Presenting Author

• Lyndsie Whitehead, Howard University
  Presenting Author

• Melody Y. Andrews, District of Columbia Public Schools
  Presenting Author