Abstract
Purpose. This qualitative phenomenological study aims to explore the unique relationship of ethnic identity and authentic leadership during sociopolitical changes by examining the direction of Black city councilmen and women in Los Angeles County, California. Theoretical Framework. The conceptual framework of this study intends to understand the historical background and socioeconomic divide within the Black community and their connection to ethnic identity and authentic leadership. The work also endeavors to assess members of the Black community and their involvement in nominating leadership, and the analysis of current society and government leadership representing the Black community. Methodology. This study attempts to find possible connections between leadership style and ethnic identity. It utilizes Helms theory to examine how one can be true to one's ethnic (racial) identity and still lead without conceding. This understanding will assist in determining a suggested phenomenon of the disconnect of ethnic identity and authentic leadership within Black leadership, and how double-consciousness may affect mobility and leaders' relationship with the community. Findings and Conclusion. This study found councilmembers were aware of racial discrimination. Councilmembers adapted best practices to serve their constituents successfully. One might question if these strategies were based on leadership or bargaining with one's ethnic identity. After review, councilmembers displayed effects of race-related trauma. Black Americans' responses to trauma are crucial to the study of ethnic identity, as it is vital for one to overcome such traumas to lead the next generation effectively. Recommendations. In recent years, researchers have started to systematically study and theorize the phenomenon of positive change following traumatic life events, now generally called posttraumatic growth (PTG) (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1995), an alternative to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), recognizes the resilience and growth that can occur following a traumatic event whereby the individual derives meaning from an incident that caused suffering to transcend the trauma (Van Slyke, n.d.). Black leadership should apply PTG and the Ashley Social Change Model (suggested agenda) to fight against social disparities. The proposed agenda is a high-level outline that addresses Black community issues. This agenda is subjective to the specific needs of communities beyond Los Angeles County.