2026/07/01 by Shonna Tillman · 1 voice
Social Sciences · #Electoral Systems and Political Participation #Gender Diversity and Inequality #Gender Politics and Representation
paper · pdf · doi:10.24926/jsepa.v4i2.6852
openalex publication_date 2026/07/01 · openalex created_date 2026/07/02 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/05
This article presents an integrative literature review supported by illustrative survey data to examine how Black women’s political leadership development is shaped through grassroots political training programs. Drawing on public administration, Black feminist thought, and political science, the analysis explores how such programs cultivate leadership practices grounded in collectivism, community accountability, and care while operating within political systems structured by individualistic norms. Survey data from 88 participants are used illustratively to contextualize patterns in political ambition, candidacy consideration, and inspiration from other Black women leaders, rather than to test causal relationships. Taken together, the article advances a conceptual argument that collectivist leadership frameworks provide a lens for examining alternative approaches to leadership development and democratic practice in public administration, while underscoring the need for future empirical research to more explicitly examine governance outcomes associated with these approaches.