Ubuntu, African-Centered Leadership and the Future of our Schools: Models for Progressive and Humanizing Practice

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 10:50 am
  In Roundtable Session: #UnapologeticBlackness: Community and Family (Table 19)

Abstract

Through this paper and presentation, three international educator-practitioner scholars present an overview and extracts of dialogue on African Centered Leadership broadly, and the concept of Ubuntu in particular, as “I am because you are”, the importance of knowing self, being in community, honoring all ways of being to lead with critical humility for transformative change. We define concepts of African Centered Leadership and Ubuntu in the context of our personal and professional experiences as educators. The paper further sets out principles and strategies for facilitating community dialogues through Ubuntu Conversations as a culturally sensitive, culturally competent leadership approach to inform school leadership, and teaching and learning practices.

Authors

• Phillip A Smith, Fordham University

• Rosemary M. Campbell-Stephens, University College London

• Charlyn Henderson, Teachers College, Columbia University