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Lynne E. Washington, Ph.D. is a 2024 graduate of the PHD Program in Leadership and Change at Antioch University.

lynne washington committee

Lynne Washington at her Dissertation Defense.

From L-R: Dr. J. Beth Mabry. Committee Member, Dr. Philomena Essed, Committee Chair, Dr. Dianne M. Stewart, Committee Member

Dissertation Committee

  • Philomena Essed, PhD, Committee Chair
  • J. Beth Mabry, PhD, Committee Member
  • Dianne M. Stewart, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

African American and African women (blacks), Africana womanism; Babalawo, chieftaincy, genderism, historical feminism, Isese/Ifa, leadership, Motherism, patriarchy, womanist

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

The dissertation examined African American women with chieftaincy titles in Yoruba culture and how they exercised their leadership in both Yorubaland and America. It explored their leadership, authority, and training. The presence of African American women with chieftaincy titles is increasing in the American landscape. The methodology was qualitative using narrative inquiry and portraiture from Sarah Lawrence-Lightfoot and Jessica Hoffman Davis (1997) with five African American women. My research included observations in Nigerian, pre-Osun festival, the Osun festival, and post-Osun festival. Observations also included three women Nigerian Chiefs. The research questions answered their qualifications to lead, their sense of knowing as leaders, and their commitment to the Yoruba people and tradition. This study identified the historical and cultural patterns necessary to understand, adapt, and implement training for future women leaders in the Isese/Ifa/Orisa tradition in America and for those learning Yoruba culture and customs in their chieftaincies. The data findings are contextualized in the narratives to provide an overall portrait of African American women leaders in the Yoruba culture and Isese/Ifa/Orisa tradition in the United States, primary community of Atlanta, Georgia. African American women lead from their sense of and proven skill strength either academically or vocationally. African American Chiefs do not need permission in the healing of their community. From the findings, this study proposed the theory of Motherism, which can be the basis for shared dialogue and understanding across the board for various affinity groups in the diaspora and Yorubaland. African American women do not have to disregard the historical v leadership work of African American women who have been trail blazers to be Yoruba women leaders in America. African American women continue the struggle for voice and equality despite the culture or religious norms of their adopted culture, justice, and freedom as women regardless of country is intrinsic in our own value system as African American women. This information will help to better understand African American women in leadership and what is expected in their Chieftaincy in a growing religious and philosophical tradition in America. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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lynne washington

Lynne E. Washington

ORCID: #0009-0002-2289-2575

Rev. Dr. Lynne E. Washington is an accomplished Episcopal priest, scholar, and community leader whose work spans across ministry, community development, education, and social justice. With over 20 years of pastoral leadership, Dr. Washington has demonstrated a deep commitment to the spiritual and socio-economic upliftment of individuals and communities, particularly in the areas of Black women’s liberation theories and community-based interventions.

Dr. Washington is an expert in the theoretical frameworks of Motherism, Africana Womanism, and Womanism, and has spent much of her academic career exploring and teaching these critical approaches to leadership, community empowerment, and spiritual formation. As a scholar-practitioner, she has contributed both in the classroom and in the field, working to promote holistic spiritual and community growth through innovative program development, strategic planning, and resource cultivation.

An active scholar, Dr. Washington holds a Ph.D. in Leadership & Change and a Master of Divinity from The General Theological Seminary, Bachelors in Organizational Management. Her dissertation on the intersection of Black women's leadership in African traditions is a testament to her dedication to exploring the spiritual and cultural dimensions of leadership.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

Roslyn Board of Managers, Richmond, VA, 2023-2024 (2nd term 2025)

Racial Healing Facilitator, Common Ground Church without Walls, Antioch University/Otterbein University/W.H. Kellogg Foundation, 2024

Barbara Harris Fellow, Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing, Atlanta, Ga 2023

International Lecturer, Suzanne Wegner Lecture Series, Osogbo, Nigeria, 2022

Project Management Professional Course, PMI Institute, 2012

Strategic Planning & Thinking, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2009

Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, Higher Ground Women’s Leadership Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2002

Suhor-Graham Foundation

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Mandela-Washington Fellowship Reviewer, U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders, 2024

Film Evaluation Committee, Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF), 2023-2024

Trustee, University of Richmond

Chair, Minority Diversity Suppliers Council, University of Richmond

Lead Contact, "March of Dimes" March for Babies, Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Recipient, "Living the Dream Award" for Youth and Education, City of Richmond, 2011

Dr. Washington’s leadership is driven by a deep commitment to justice, equity, and the transformation of communities through faith, education, and collaboration. Her work continues to inspire and empower individuals and organizations to move toward greater social, spiritual, and communal wholeness.

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