Investing in Diversity in London Schools: Leadership Preparation for Black and Global Majority Educators

This article traces the historical roots, describes the philosophy and curriculum, and analyzes the approach to leadership in Investing in Diversity, a 1-year Black-led leadership development course in the London schools. An exploratory qualitative case study approach was used to collect historical and empirical data about the program over a 2-year period (2008-2010). Findings from selected survey data indicated that the leadership course enhanced self-confidence, provided role models, and was perceived as "empowering" by both participants and instructors. Interviews with four Black and Global Majority senior school leaders who are instructors in the program (including the program developer) characterize their leadership approach as collaborative and community-centered, with high expectations for students and a responsibility to give back to their respective communities. Although little research has been conducted on the leadership perspectives of Black school leaders in Britain, data from Investing in Diversity resonated with themes in the extant research on African American leadership perspectives.