Selected African-Centered Readings:    

by
Wade W. Nobles, Lawford L. Goddard, William E. Cavil, and Pamela Y. George

Philosophical Foundations of the African-Centered Paradigm

The African-centered paradigm represents an important philosophical and theoretical concept in the understanding of the African-American experience. The African-centered paradigm is a quality of thought and practice rooted in the cultural image and interest of African people. The African-centered paradigm reaffirms the right of Africans to (1) exist as a people, (2) contribute to the forward flowing process of human civilization and culture, and (3) share with as well as shape the world in response to our energy and spirit. The African-centered paradigm takes the life experiences, history, and traditions of African people as the center of one's analysis. The paradigm represents an important paradigmatic shift in the social-scientific analysis of African-American experience. As a scientific paradigm, it suggests to the scientist what is important for consideration and how he or she should view the unit of analysis. In effect, the African-centered paradigm represents a formalized framework that guides the assessment of African reality, and should be the framework the scientist brings to bear on the analysis of any African-American phenomenon (e.g., alcohol and other drug abuse).        next page