Ubuntu, Diversity and Inclusiveness: Afro-descendants in the United States

There has been a great deal written about Ubuntu, with discussions and debates about what it means and how it can be applied to societal problems and challenges, particularly in the African context. The present chapter advances ideas of diversity and inclusiveness as they are ingrained in Ubuntu, an African ethic. Multiple inequalities exist in almost every community in the world today. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number ten (10) seeks to ‘reduce inequality within and between countries.’ The goal’s target by 2030 is to empower and promote social, economic and political inclusion for all people, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. The present chapter employs a qualitative approach to explore the significance and qualification of the Ubuntu framework as a strategic African resource that can ensure the success of the concept of diversity and inclusiveness, particularly in the United States of America (U.S.A). Although many approaches to diversity and inclusion draw on Western ideas, this chapter qualifies the relevance of Ubuntu, an African philosophy emphasizing community, to ensure embracing diversity and inclusion in non-African communities, the United States (U.S.).The chapter contends that there are still numerous inconsistencies in the treatment of marginalized groups among the Americans, including people of colour in particular, Afro-descendants, women, people with disabilities and other marginalized groups.