Anti-Black racism remains a problem in Ontario because it is one of the foundational values of the colonial state. As a result of capitalism, white supremacy, and colonialism, anti-Black racism is rooted within the country and province through its systems and institutions which are built to oppress Indigenous communities, Black communities…

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Dear Gary,

Thank you so much for sharing this reflection – it’s incredibly rewarding to hear how the cards sparked such meaningful dialogue and perspective shifts in the recruiter trainings. I love seeing how something that seems simple can really open space for deeper understanding and reflection.

We’re grateful for the care and creativity you…

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Greetings,

We recently used the call-in cards with several GTA universities’ recruitment teams as part of their recruiter training (for free – lol!).

What was powerful about using the cards in this way was hearing multiple attendees say, “We spent so much time on what we need to know to tell others, but we hadn’t spent time discussing how we…

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As you reflect on your journey with the Centering Black Youth and Wellbeing Certificate, check out these 5 resources from our Knowledge Hub that explore healing justice, Ubuntu, and anti-racism practices to support Black and racialized youth:

📄 Healing Practices for Black & Racialized Youth – Evidence-based practices you can integrate into…

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Explore the actions you can take to respond to anti-Black racism at YouthREX’s upcoming free train-the-trainer workshop!

Each of YouthREX’s 16 Call-In-Cards for Anti-Black Racism Action presents a real-world scenario and four reflective prompts, designed to encourage self-reflection, collective learning, and meaningful action. Each card…

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In Module 1, Nene Kwasi Kefele situates us in the historical and contextual realities of Black/African Canadians, including the story of Mathieu da Costa (1604)—an interpreter between the Mi’kmaq and the French, and one of the earliest recorded Black presences in what is now Canada. If this history exists, and is foundational—why isn’t it…

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Thank you so much for sharing- combining research with the voices of Black youth is crucial for understanding the real impacts of anti-Black racism. Adding that aspect of humanism in data and research – that is often abstract.

Kiera- thank you for sharing these insights; making research on anti-Black racism visible and accessible is a powerful way to spark reflection, dialogue, and collaboration. Highlighting the systemic impacts not only on Black youth and their families but on society as a whole can help engage those who may not yet recognize the depth of…

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Kamini- Thank you for sharing these thoughtful reflections; bringing these conversations into workplaces and creating accessible educational initiatives is essential. Your insights on supporting professionals to understand racialized trauma and implement meaningful anti-Black racism practices are especially valuable, and highlight important…

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Dear Samantha– really appreciate your reflection—it highlights an important distinction between listening to youth and truly engaging with their expertise. I think the emphasis on not just modifying existing systems, but imagining services designed for Black youth from the ground up, is critical.

To add to your point, I think part of moving…

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Kerry- I love the focus on Youth-Adult Partnerships and culturally affirming spaces. To build on that, I think we also need to embed accountability and reflection into these programs—for both youth and adults. For example, creating spaces where adults learn from youth experiences and where youth are supported to give feedback that shapes program…

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Hi Mogbeyi,

Thank you so much for this thoughtful reflection on the Call-In-Cards. You’ve really captured their purpose—especially the importance of the “call-in” approach for fostering learning, growth, and meaningful dialogue around ABR.

I’m curious—have you had a chance to lead any activities using the Call-In-Cards yet, or plan to in the…

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Mogbeyi! What an amazing response, thank you for sharing your journey with the work that you do. We are just wondering if you have been able to use the call in cards lately for any facilitations, or if you have introduced a colleague , a friend to the Call in Cards? Please do share with us!

I found this module to be very important. I think finding ways to bring these conversations forward and present the findings in workplaces would be a great place to start—especially in social service, medical, mental health care, and law enforcement settings. Many professionals genuinely want to make a change in the experiences that racial…

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I agree with much of what’s been shared in this discussion. Anti-Black racism is deeply rooted in Canadian culture and society, with origins tracing back to the country’s formation. For many generations, racism was, and still is, something felt and experienced, but rarely spoken about openly—particularly the negative impacts it has had. The…

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Using research findings to highlight and challenge the impact of anti-Black racism on youth and their families can be done in many ways. For those who are not aware or disregard anti-Black racism in Canada using hard facts from research can help demonstrate the deep rooted issue. Making that research public and easily accessible can highlight…

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Anti-Black racism continues to be a problem within Canadian society and it will persist as it is rooted in Canadian culture. The racism is fundamental to the function of our society. Through institutions, and societal norms. When only some people are even aware of racism in Canada only so much can and will be done. People in positions of power…

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NEW Physical Call-In-Cards pouches are now available!

This zipper pouch includes the four decks of The Kit‘s Call-In-Cards for Anti-Black Racism Action across four themes — with 16 scenarios from Black youth and four prompts that guide critical self-reflection to support anti-Black racism action — plus a user guide!

Click here to request your FREE…

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Some of you may have already visited The Kit for Centering Black Youth Wellbeing and explored The Call-In-Cards for Anti-Black Racism Action. For those who haven’t, this resource is the action component of The Kit — four decks of cards across four themes, featuring 16 scenarios with four prompts to guide critical self-reflexivity in support of…

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I am so glad you shared this poem @rubydalvina – these insights are beautiful. I have been reflecting and speaking about Humanism and “Strategic Essentialism” (Gayatri Spivak) lately, discussing the need to address labels and stereotypes without allowing these divisive categories to dehumanize. It is lovely to read a work like this…

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As a future Child & Youth Care Practitioner I can actively listen to the voice of black youth and always be ready to provide support and learn about their personal experiences. I would build strong rapport and relationships that allow the youth to know that I support them and are always here to help. Id also do continuous research to make…

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I think the first step is to collaborate with the youth and let them have and share their voice. We can do this through Youth Adult Partnerships (YAP) where the youth co lead giving them responsibility while also empowering them. The programs created must be culturally affirming spaces that reflect black histories and culture. Through YAP we…

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Through research and evidence we can highlight and bring light to all the effects of racism that are overlooked. Speaking in regard to mental health and well being, discrimination can be seen linked to high levels of anxiety, depression, and trauma. We can also see how black youth face many educational inequalities such as not being offered…

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I believe anti-black racism is still a problem in todays society as the people in “power” are deeply rooted in white supremacy and though we have began to take the proper steps in changing and challenging this “idea”, the historical, systemic and cultural factors have been evolving, not disappearing. I believe systematic inequalities are…

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One Simple Thing I am committing to is to actively seek out information and understanding of issues facing Black youth and communities specific to where I live and work. Living in predominantly white areas for most of my life, I have always felt removed from Black community building both personally and from a social justice work perspective.…

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While I do not work primarily with youth, this broader question of what it would mean to have Black mental health care/services – not just absent of racism, or altered, modified from Eurocentric models but designed for Black people – is something I have always been passionate about but also overwhelmed by. But through this training 2 pathways…

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This question was a bit difficult for me, because despite knowing how important research is and crucial to making effective policy and program change, I also get frustrated when it feels like the push for research in/by the public is only to ‘prove’ that anti-Black racism exists. But I’m glad I was forced to sit with it, because I ended up…

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In line with much of what has been said in previous comments, I believe the lack of knowledge and understanding of Canada’s history plays a significant role in why anti-Black racism persists today. Despite being interested in social justice issues and reading about Transatlantic slavery from a relatively young age, it wasn’t until my Masters –…

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Educational videos and modules such as this one helps for the population to better understand the gaps in our social systems, I believe that everyone should be informed on the racism towards black communities, not just those that work with the black youth. That way if everyone had the education and knowledge provided to them, it may help those…

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I agree with much of what has been shared here so far and don’t have anything new to add. I am curious about the increase in public white-supremacist hate both propaganda and individual acts of violence on this and the other side of the border. I feel that political inaction and collusion in many cases have given rise to ABR and legitimizes ABR…

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Looking at this from a Youth Engagement lens, my initial response to this question is to amplify Black youth voice and carry the mentality “nothing for Black youth (and families) without Black youth (and families)”. To engage in co-development and partnership would be key in designing pathways to inclusion in the youth sector. This means…

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As mentioned throughout almost all of the responses below, I agree completely that using a combination of quantitative and qualitative research data can highlight and challenge the impact of anti-Black racism for youth and their families. Quantitative research can draw on the prevalence of anti-Black racism that youth and families experience in…

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Meet with and/or survey the Black youth in our community and find out what they need from our organization that would make them more likely to participate in activities that we host. Programs for Black Youth need to be designed, created and implemented with the community’s cooperation. They need to be involved every step of the way.

I can prioritize uplifting black youth voices in my work, whether it is to co-design a resource, provide opportunities to showcase strengths or ensuring proactive methods to include them in discussions and decision making.

I think one of the biggest ways to do this is through co-design. Co-design youth services with members of the Black community, Black service providers, Black youth and their families. Prioritizing funding for services, education and access to care is crucial as well. Getting buy-in and engagement from members of the community who have the…

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Anti-Black racism continues to be a problem in Ontario (and Canada as a whole) for a variety of reasons. It is perpetuated by major systems including the criminal justice system, health system, and education system. If that wasn’t enough, anti-Black racism and perpetuating racist ideologies are also depicted and reinforced in mainstream news…

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I think anti-black racism within Canada is perpetuated by various factors. The biggest one being lack of education and awareness on the historical complicity Canada has, as well as the experiences of black people. With the rise of technology, social media and how information travels, I believe currently there is also a great deal of…

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As discussed in the last module, critical self-reflection is an essential foundation to growth. However, we must turn those reflections into action. My role is a mental health counsellor on a helpline. One simple thing I can focus on implementing is increasing my supervisions around cultural humility and contacts with Black youth. I could…

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I, too, agree with many of the points that have posted. I feel like there are a plethora of ways to move beyond identifying the service needs and gaps to designing pathways to inclusion of Black youth. As many have said already, community engagement and representation would be essential to fostering inclusive and equitable spaces, such as…

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I agree with many of the comments that have been made already. We can draw on research to ensure we are following best anti-racist practices when supporting Black youth and their families. Through community based research, and working with Black folks as co-researchers and collaborators, we can learn from their experiences and how best to…

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I imagine there are many reasons as to why anti-Black racism persists in Ontario. But I believe lack of education and inaction towards dismantling white supremacy are some contributors. I had no idea slavery existed in Canada until I was in university, which is appalling. University was where I learned more about systems of oppression and how…

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Thank you for sharing your perspective. I feel we all have to do so much learning and unlearning to be actually able to make a difference in the real world. I agree that people try to acknowledge ABR but fail to acknowledge and leave the white supremacy and previlege they enjoy.

Having explored the Call-In-Cards, I am impressed by their ability to facilitate comprehensive learning and action around anti-Black racism (ABR). The cards provide a structured approach to discussing complex issues like Black Youth Voice, Black Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, Intersectional Identities, and Allyship.

A particularly…

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Anti-Black racism persists in Ontario due to a complex interplay of historical, social, economic, and institutional factors. The colonial legacy and the history of slavery have entrenched systemic inequalities that continue to marginalize Black communities. Discriminatory policies and laws have historically disadvantaged Black people, leading…

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The Call-In-Cards are an invaluable tool for fostering critical conversations around anti-Black racism (ABR). I found that the cards extensively cover crucial aspects such as Black Youth Voice, Black Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, Intersectional Identities, and Allyship. Each scenario is thoughtfully designed to reflect real-life…

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Anti-Black racism persists in Ontario for a variety of complex reasons, many of which stem from historical, social, economic, and systemic factors. Here are some key factors contributing to the ongoing issue:

1. Historical Legacy: Ontario, like many parts of the world, has a history of slavery, segregation, and discrimination against Black…

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I believe anti-Black racism persists in Ontario due to systemic and institutional biases that subtly underpin our society—often colloquially described as “racism with a smile.” This term captures how ingrained prejudices, though less overt, profoundly affect critical areas such as education, employment, and law enforcement, continuing to…

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The Call-In-Cards is one of the effective kits employ to address the ABR.

Currently listening to and loving Andra Day’s “Rise Up” Courtesy of our good Dr. Anucha 🙂