Black Education: Faith, Race, and Educational Equity (BE: FREE)
The Black Education: Faith, Race and Educational Equity (BE: FREE) research project, founded
and led by Dr. Phillip A. Smith, examines the phenomenon of Black educational leadership
grounded in a Black leadership epistemology (ways of knowing) as a race-conscious, culturally
sensitive pedagogical approach to teaching, leading, and learning. It explores the intersections of
community, race, faith, equity in education, and civic engagement as part of Black educational
leadership. BE: FREE showcases innovative, culturally rich educational practices, leadership,
critical conversations, and community engagement, towards sustained outcomes for students,
schools, and communities.
This project examines how faculty, students, staff, and community members who participate in
one or more of the BE: FREE Educational Leader Speaker Programs or related research
initiatives and collaborations describe and experience the nature of Black educational leadership,
community, community-engaged learning, and civic engagement.
Community
Many of our current models of leadership rely heavily on colonized ways of thinking and doing.
Our models for leadership are hierarchical, linear, and one-dimensional which privileges one
over the many. There is limited evidence of sustained success in developing inclusive models of
leadership, teaching and learning that positions race, equity and faith in community as central to
the leadership experience. In considering connections between Black education leadership and
community engagement, as relates to social justice, activism, and advocacy, it is noted that:
For Black school principals, “community” is an expression of social justice
educational leadership, civil rights activism, and advocacy and commitment to the
transformation of an entrenched, segregated school system and structure. This is
evidenced through the greater (and positively encouraged) involvement levels of
parents and other community members in school activities, as a core aspect of the
leadership and decision-making processes of African-American school principals.
Smith, 2021, p.35.
It is this deep sense of ‘community and leadership’ evidenced through collectivism, greater and
positively engaged levels of parental and other community involvement in school [education]
activities that typifies the leadership philosophies and practice of Black school leaders Black
Smith, P.A. BE: FREE Research Project 15
school leadership. This is foundational to an improved understanding of Black educational
leadership and Black leadership epistemology.
Community Partners
▪ The Abyssinian Baptist Church, Faith & Education Ministry, Harlem, New York.
Contact: Rev. Dr. S. Raschaad Hoggard.
▪ Carib News
▪ Harlem Community School District 5
▪ Pi Kappa Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc
▪ The Metropolitan Museum of Art
▪ The President’s Men Leadership Program, Cardinal Hayes High School.
▪ Reimagining Education: Teaching, Learning and Leading for a Racially Just
Society Summer Institute (RESI), Teachers College, Columbia University.
Fordham University Partners
▪ Aramark
▪ Center for Community Engaged Learning
▪ FitzSimons Presidential Initiative on Civics and Civility
▪ Graduate School of Education
▪ IT, media, marketing, and other related technical support
▪ Office of Government Relations and Urban Affair
▪ Office of Institutional Equity and Intercultural Affairs, Equal Employment Opportunity
Programs, and Accessibility Resources
▪ Office of the University Secretary
▪ Other key Fordham departments
▪ University Marketing and Communications
Upcoming Events
▪ BE: FREE Faith, Education & Civic Engagement, A Moderated Conversation in
Context with the Black Community Part II