Lost Leadership: A Phenomenological Study of African American Leadership and the Effectiveness of Servant Leadership in a Declining Urban Community

• Main Author: Lewis, Tia M
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-2016
• Subjects: African American Studies; Black history; Black studies
• ISBN: 1339499568; 9781339499567

The theoretical framework for this study is constructed around the periods of Reconstruction, the Antebellum Era, and the Civil Rights Movement. Past African American leaders and African American leadership provided a stepping stone to African American progression and viability today; however, it is suggested that African American leaders of today may be a hindrance of their own communities. The purpose of this qualititative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of eight African American leaders within an urban center and to understand what effect servant leadership can have in improving the societal concerns within the African American community. Data collection involved individual face-to-face structured interviews. Study findings suggested the structure of the Black family is very important when it comes to a strong Black leadership presence. The study also showed that the need for African American leaders in the community to be of a self-gratifying nature and that there is a lack of servant leadership with the African American community. The findings presented in this study show that the state of Black leadership within an urban center lacks the type of leadership that is needed to elevate the community to a higher level of socio-economic change. This study may encourage the Black leaders within the community to become proactive about the type of leadership that is displayed to a community that needs uplifting in many different facets.