Decolonization and Consciousness with Ashanti Kunene
Feb 26, 2025
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In a transformative discussion, Ashanti Kunene, founder of Learning to Unlearn, advocates for deconstructing colonial narratives to foster spiritual coherence and leadership grounded in integrity. She emphasizes the critical inner work needed for true transformation and the importance of expressing emotions safely. Ashanti also explores love as a tool against fear, the significance of Ubuntu philosophy, and the necessity for honest communication in rebuilding communities. Her insights guide us toward a future rooted in authenticity and self-love.
Decolonization involves rethinking leadership as a collaborative service to the community, moving away from traditional power dynamics.
The concept of ubuntu highlights our interconnectedness, urging us to recognize and affirm each other's humanity for societal transformation.
Inner work and spiritual accountability are essential for genuine personal transformation, ensuring one's actions align with their deeply held values.
Deep dives
Power Dynamics and Leadership
The conversation emphasizes that discussions around race and white supremacy are fundamentally about power rather than skin color. Understanding power dynamics is crucial for rethinking leadership, where many currently equate leadership with having power over others. True leadership should instead focus on serving the community, fostering a collaborative environment rather than dominating it. This shift in perspective can fundamentally alter how societies engage with leadership and authority.
The Process of Unlearning
The discussion introduces the concept of unlearning colonial mindsets to address issues of white supremacy and cultivate authentic coherence between beliefs and actions. The four unlearning principles presented—ubuntu, love as praxis, open honest communication, and spiritual accountability—serve as a holistic framework. Ubuntu emphasizes interconnectedness, highlighting that one’s humanity is tied to recognizing the humanity in others. This principle encourages individuals to break free from narratives that perpetuate victimhood and societal oppression.
Inner Work and Accountability
Emphasis is placed on the necessity of inner work for personal transformation and societal change while addressing the importance of taking personal responsibility for one's choices and actions. Acknowledging that empowerment comes from transitioning from a victim mentality to recognizing one's agency and responsibility in shaping experiences lays the groundwork for sustainable change. The conversation critiques victimhood not only as an identity but as a barrier to empowerment, advocating for a shift toward self-efficacy. This underscores the necessity for deeper self-reflection and accountability in leadership roles.
Love as a Revolutionary Act
Love is framed as a radical practice that can disrupt systems of fear and scarcity, facilitating deeper connections and understanding in the community. Leaders who operate from a foundation of love can cultivate inclusive environments that nurture empowerment rather than transactional relationships driven by control. The conversation stresses the act of loving as an intentional choice, requiring one to embrace vulnerability and show grace even amidst discomfort. This approach not only enriches personal relationships but also fosters a more compassionate and equitable society.
Spiritual Accountability and Coherence
The notion of spiritual accountability is depicted as critical for achieving coherence between one's beliefs, thoughts, and actions. Individuals must assess whether their actions align with their spiritual values and whether they maintain peace and integrity in their daily lives. The importance of being vigilant about one's thoughts is discussed, as these thoughts shape reality and influence interactions with others. By focusing on coherence and self-reflection, people can connect deeper with their purpose and contribute positively to healing societal divisions.
This powerful conversation explores the relationship between decolonization and consciousness. Ashanti is a systems change agent focused on helping organizations deconstruct dominant narratives of colonization and replace them with life affirming narratives that support a regenerative future. She believes that true transformation must begin within, guiding leaders to embrace spiritual coherence and walk their talk.
Jenny and Ashanti discuss:
How to define what is right and good
Why the inner work is imperative
The consequences of the narratives we have internalized
Rethinking our understanding of leadership and power
Taking responsibility for ourselves and what inhibits us from doing so
The relationship between deconstructing our stories and spirituality
The importance of walking the talk and the harm caused by misalignment
Love as praxis: moving from fear to love
The role of fear in white supremacy
The Zulu concept of Ubuntu
Loving each other through our ugly
Love and spiritual growth
Love, consideration, and diversity in systems change work
Open and honest communication
The importance of expressing emotions and creating emotionally safe spaces
Calling out vs. calling in
Spiritual accountability, personal integrity, and coherent leadership
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