| Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne, often unheralded by education historians, was one of the most important and intriguing figures in educational leadership in the 19th century. He served as the founder and instructor of a highly advanced primary school for free and enslaved Blacks in antebellum Charleston, South Carolina; his efforts to set educational standards for clergy resulted in a revolution in the ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; and, he led the purchase of Wilberforce University, making it the first college owned and operated by a Black religious denomination in the United States. In so doing, Payne was confronted with a great deal of adversity each step of the way. This study provides an analysis of Payne's response to adversity as an educational leader. By applying the method of historical narrative, the researcher examines Payne's response to the many obstacles that he confronted in each of his major educational initiatives. Although secondary sources were used, the researcher relied heavily on important primary sources, such as Payne's autobiography, sermons, speeches, and writings. Additionally, the research presents previously unexamined primary sources that greatly add to the understanding of Payne's work as an educational leader. Assisted by newly available primary sources, this research challenges the conclusions of several long held assumptions about Payne's work as an educational leader in each of his three most significant contributions: his first school in Charleston, South Carolina; his efforts to educate clergy; and, his relationship with Wilberforce University. The significance of the conclusions about Payne's role as an educational leader can be helpful for modern day educational leaders. Although faced with constant adversity, Payne met with a great deal of success. However, he also met with failure in several of his major initiatives. A reading of both his positive and negative experiences can be insightful for today's educational leaders confronted with various obstacles of their own. |
