| My limited, yet stimulating knowledge gained through media, personal work experience and direct observations concerning young African American males in today's society not only informs and educates me, but motivates me and propels me into this research. Several social concerns either impacting or involving African American males highlight my desire to do this research. What I have learned or observed over the course of 20 years in ordained ministry is that a large population of African American males is involved in the criminal justice system and there is a disturbing amount of violence in society among African American males. Also, I am engaging in this research because of what I observe taking place with the African American Family. An additional reason for wanting to do this research is what I observe happening with government policies and laws and because of what I observe is happening in the educational arena with African American males. Other issues with special education, discipline and tracking make this research important. It is my contention leadership in all sectors of society is needed to bring about social reform. I further contend that it is going to require leadership from African American males and females to bring about this reform. I am especially concerned about males in this research. I want this research to reflect practical theology as I probe educational practices and provide critique and reflection. The approach of human research will be participatory action research mainly using interviews. I hope to come away from this research with a strong definition of leadership undergirded theologically and immersed in Christian education. Additionally, I want to come away with some type of a model of Leadership Formation for African American males. A major focus of my research is to One Church One School and critical pedagogy. |
