Meet the Seba
Seba (Sba), or saba is the ancient African word for teacher and may be the etymological source of the word philosopher (philos + lover of + sophe + wisdom). It is believed that the Greek term Sophia is derived from the ancient Egyptian Sba. In Kemet, there exists complete description of what a seba does and values. Seba, like most Kemetic words, is polysemie meaning that it carries other meanings and associations as well. Nonetheless, seba is the moral teacher or philosopher, the one who contemplates the deeper meaning and morality of things, and one who teaches through instruction and exemplary practice. The seba is the scribe, intellectual activist, and priest, the record keeper and adviser.
~Source: Encyclopedia of African Religion
Khristal Gooding-Copeland
Founder/ Executive Director
Khristal Gooding was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She pursued her higher education at Florida A&M University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences with a concentration in African-American Studies. Additionally, she holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, highlighting her dedication to academic excellence and leadership in education.
Driven by her lifelong passion for writing, Khristal founded and became the editor-in-chief of Shenique Magazine in 2007. This innovative and interactive magazine, written by girls for girls, aims to empower teenage girls to embrace their uniqueness and share their stories. Khristal’s commitment to giving young girls a platform to express themselves led to the publication of her first book, "Keeping It Real Through Writing," which further showcases her dedication to encouraging self-expression and literacy among youth.
With over twenty years of experience as an educator in the public school system and as an adjunct professor, Khristal’s expertise extends far beyond the classroom. She is well-versed in curriculum development, having created comprehensive materials for courses such as African American Studies, US History, Government, Women’s Studies, and World History. Her dedication to education is reflected in her mentorship and professional development of countless teachers, focusing on classroom management, culturally responsive teaching, and technology integration. Khristal's innovative approach to education has positively impacted the learning experiences of both students and educators.
Khristal is also involved in community organizations. She serves as an advisory board member for the Black Archives in Miami, Florida, the Educational Committee Chair of the South Dade Chapter of the NAACP and is an active member of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the National Education Association, Dade Association of School Administrators (DASA) and the FAMU Alumni Association. Her involvement in these organizations underscores her commitment to social justice, advocacy, and lifelong learning.
Although Khristal has transitioned to administrative duties, she remains deeply committed to the core values of education. Her passion for teaching, learning, and mentoring continues to drive her work, ensuring that the needs of students and educators are always at the forefront of her efforts. Khristal is committed to mentoring and supporting both students and educators, ensuring that they have the resources and guidance needed to succeed. Her unwavering dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment has made her a respected leader and advocate in her community.