[Jenny]

The harms of systemic racism underlie many of our current institutions, organizations and implicit biases. In a future where anti-black racism is dismantled, we must first and foremost acknowledge the overt and covert racism that had long hindered Black people from receiving the quality of care and support they are entitled to. Alongside this acknowledgement, I believe the youth sector need to actively participate in restorative justice to establish a trust with the communities who have long been marginalized. I believe only after these efforts can organizations, engage in thoughtful, meaningful and true co-design with the youth and families they hope to serve.

[Maureen]

Resorative justice, healing circles, so well said and insightful!

[Maha]

In one of my online teaching practicums, what I really loved was dedicated time in the classroom on allowing students the space to formulate their own workshops and tutorials to their fellow students, showcasing personal skills and talents. I think in-class programs where Black youth could shine would fundamentally be based on their own interests, these would be places where they can grow and help others in ways that are both educational and engaging. Too often, Black youth are positioned in opposition to these factors, and this takes away from the wonderful contributions they can make to the class as leaders in their own crafts, whether this be in core subjects (like sciences, language, math, art, music, etc.) or even creative platforms like Minecraft! As some of the discussion posts above mention, co-constructing what inclusive and welcoming programs might look like in a classroom-environment will largely depend on the Black youth themselves. This will take away from the dichotomy of assigning speculative solutions from an administrative point of view, and rather gives Black youth a way to express their own vision of what anti-Black racist spaces might look like based on their own lived experiences.

[Raven]

I love this idea of implementing classroom programs to allow the youth to properly express themselves by giving them a safe space to be who they are, without fear. Something like this could very much aid in black youth becoming their own leaders. It can allowed them to gain leadership skills, facilitation skills and social skills.

I agree with you Maha, instead of assuming what their vision is towards anti black racism, basing it off of their lived experiences would definitely work better.

[Amanda]

I think that there are many, many ways to proactively designing pathways to inclusion in the youth sector in which Black youth are not facing anti-Black racism. I think all of these ways would fall under the big umbrella of dismantling system racism within institutionalized settings. However, as can be seen from the effects of systemic racism in society, this is a much more easier said than done as its complexities are rooted in many levels of society, government, culture, etc.

One of the most basic and foundational ways to even begin the dismantling of system racism is to include awareness of the Black experience and Black history education in schools. In another post, I shared that one of the reasons why I believe that anti-Black racism is still a problem in Ontario is due to the implicit biases and attitudes that we develop in childhood. If schools were to introduce and incorporate lessons involving Black history, children would have the opportunity to integrate this knowledge into their core understanding of others and in their ongoing interactions with others. At this point, it may offset their already existing implicit biases and in some cases, completely reteach them a new system of values and attitudes that focus on inclusion.

[Raven]

Hi Amanda,

I really liked your point on incorporating black history and experiences into the early schooling system, especially with the benefit of allowing them to implement that knowledge into their everyday lives.

[Tarena]

It is so important to move beyond identifying the service needs and gaps Black youth face, to proactively design pathways to inclusion in the youth sector. This can be done by leading black youth initiatives and programs with black youth and their families at the forefront. Representation is essential to any changes in institutions and services, and it’s imperative to have black representation and voices in agency roles that are involved in decision making.

[Jovelle]

I definitely have to agree with you. Inclusion is extremely important when even creating programs that support black youth because they should be curated with black voices and opinions strongly in mind. These services must center black people’s thoughts and what would best fulfill their needs to feel comfortable and create necessary change.

[Raven]

I strongly agree Tarena, black representation is a key factor in even encouraging other black individuals to participate in any type of change. Black youth especially, are so afraid of being let down or ignored by those who oppressed them that it now needs to be someone who is closely apart of their community and a clear representation of themselves, so that they can have role models that look like them.

[Mary Lou]

Such a good question. It really is making me reflect on this. Inclusion is such a word that we always think that we can just check a box and if that is happening then we are practicing it. But it really doesn’t work that way. What is inclusive for some is obstructive for others. We often talk of universal practices, and then we can find that this universality is excluding some. So in my mind, I think that to be truly inclusive, we have to try to be flexible and genuine in engagement, seeking multiple ways for expression to occur, working to be open to and listening to different ways/ideas/philosophies and compassionate.

[Georgina]

To me pathways to inclusion rest in the nurturing of meaningful partnerships and relationships. I work in a place where we have the opportunity to create programming and invite the public to participate but that in itself is not enough. The first piece is going into and meeting with your wider to community to build trust and rapport (proactive design). The space then comes second as a platform that can be offered and shared once that rapport is established and, indeed, my work has several community groups that we collaborate with constantly. What my experiences in my workplace and this excellent module have illustrated to me is that this work is long game and therefore it has to be real to succeed. You cannot create one new program and call it a day but instead you must ensure that you are always in dialogue with the community and always looking for new people, partners, or programs who offer something you don’t and then trying, as much as you are able and with their express permission, to make space and bring their efforts to the attention as others. I found all of Dr. Ayonrinde’s tip so useful especially his emphasis on authenticity and advocacy. Trust is crucial to consent and therefore pathways to inclusion is about a sincere commitment to life-long relationship building.

[Raven]

Georgina, your comment really allowed me to throughly think about all the experience I’ve had within the mental health/social service felid. I feel like many services almost provide programs and changes towards black youth either has a ministry accomplishment or as a check box and once that box is checked, it’s as if the duty and responsibility with it, is gone. Too many times have I witnessed the creation of programs and committees end up falling apart due to the lack of follow up.

[Marc]

Such a large and important question.

I think something that may help would be to tackle what part of the third module described as the way dominant forces use the lack of explicit racism as a way to befuddle the anti-racist argument.

That so much of our systems are perpetuated by values that reinforce racism and classism and many other things but that in a vacuum are not explicitly doing so provides so much cover for white supremacy and other ills

I think a lot of people who hold up dominant structures in our society (including white supremacy) continue to make the case for slower progress, more easing in, prolonging just treatment in order to not have to not deal with personal discomfort within the dominant group while actually perpetuating harm (not just discomfort) to others.

It’s like saying “ok, it’s bad but you can’t expect US to change quickly” as though we as the settler group, the colonial group (who continues to reap benefits from colonialism) who imposed often through violent means massive changes on many groups and continues to use various forms of violence to perpetuate white supremacy – this group keeps using power in numbers and in disinterest to maintain as much of the status quo as possible.

Incrementalism disguised as progress. Holding out, slowing up change, acting as though things just sort of naturally arrived this way instead of looking at all the organized oppressions that had to take place to create these systems while ignoring all the organizing and coalition building that had to take place to even push the heavy boulder that is society towards any dismantling of these structures.

This might also relate to the feelings we sit with if we try to work from a cause advocacy framework too. Lots to unpack for me here and thanks for allowing some space to do so while also reading many insights from the group of commenters here in these discussion boards.

[Jennifer]

totally agree Marc! Incrementalism can often turn into a bandaid solution with no follow up and further reinforce the oppressive systems – e.g. an organization has a training on ‘diversity’ in response to anti-Black racism being perpetuated, the organization doesn’t do anything further but gets a pat on the back for holding one workshop, anti-Blackness at the organization continues to harm folks.

This is why it’s so important to individuals and organizations to have a cohesive long-term plan to address anti-Black racism!

[Andri]

I work in higher education and I see a gap once these youth become adults in supporting them in a system that does not recognize their experience as Black youth. I think every post secondary institution should have trained staff and faculty that understand the different approaches needed to help young Black students move through higher education in a healthy way, feeling supported and understood.

[Adem]

Great point, Andri! Post secondary institution have to do a better job at creating a environment that is welcoming to Black students. Once Black students enter post-secondary institutions, there are left to navigate a system without any guidance.

[Raven]

Definitely! Well said Andri

The educational system in general needs a lot of work in regards to setting up black youth to actually succeed in life, once they leave. It’s sad, the suspension and drop out rates are way to high within the black community

[Sarah]

I agree with you Mike that centering voices of Black youth is very important especially in designing pathways to inclusion in the youth sector. I really like your point recognizing individual strengths, needs and comfort levels when describing to have options for different channels of communication and ways to express their ideas!

[Mike]

In my opinion, centering the voices of Black youth is key, and paying them for their hard work and insight. I would suggest including honoraria for youth from the very beginning of applying for funding, and making sure there is enough to pay the youth well, at least living wage, if not more. This makes it more likely that youth will be able to participate. If possible, consider hiring youth leaders for more than just one-off sessions. Once you have a group of youth leaders, invest a lot of time in developing a relationship with them, and creating a space that permits them to speak frankly, withouth fear of any kind of backlash or fragility from program staff. Offer multiple channels for feedback. If the youth have some constructive feedback to give, they may not feel comfortable giving it directly to the person, so they should know of other channels, such as alternate staff, or supervisors, and should be able to give feedback in multiple formats, like texting, voice messaging, etc. Program staff should also actively seek out feedback, especially constructive feedback, using models like “the sandwich”, asking youth to share one thing they like, one thing they don’t like, and one idea they have, or something to that effect. You can also get creative, and have youth express their ideas in other ways, like painting, music, etc. The more we allow youth to express themselves freely when expressing their thoughts, feelings and hopes about our programming, the better we can meet their needs, and move beyond a deficit-based model, to a place where Black youth thrive. That’s just what I think, though.

[Raven]

Hi Mike, I really value your point on how black youth need to be compensated for their involvement in various services and programs, as this is one of many issues individuals within black communities face; lack of financial support. Due to the lack of income within black communities it is so common for these youth to look towards illegal and/or dangerous fast money options which then to a slippery slope of events.

there various strategies you provided are also very valuable and worthy or trying. I like how you really stressed the concept of allowing youth to share their feedback because in my opinion that is one of the tasks that easily gets slipped under the rug in these services and programs we have.

So thank you for your insight! 🙂

[Jasmyne]

I’ve seen a lot of excellent responses to this question and I’m going to add to these ideas by saying that shifting away from service needs and towards pathways of inclusion doesn’t necessarily mean that we need to reinvent the wheel. There has been a ton of phenomenal research that analyses Black youth well-being and some of this research actually included Black youth in the process.

I think the next step in this process begins by analyzing how these concepts and frameworks apply to Black youth in Ontario. From this research, which undoubtedly should include Black youth in the research process, we can gain an understanding of the gaps in services for Black youth wellbeing. It is at this point that we should include Black youth in the developmental process for whatever the next steps may be.

Also, I think it’s important to ask Black youth how they want to be included. With each generation comes strong leaders who are capable of sharing their opinions for what they would like to see changed in this world.

[Tara]

We really do need to start including our Black youth in developing programs and plans. We need to start listening to our youth, they are the future, they know what their needs are what will help. We as adults needs to start opening up and listening more and being inclusive.

[Sureka]

I completely agree with you Jasmyne! It is incredibly important to include Black youth in this process and also understand how they want to be included. Like you said there are many opinions and experiences and with that, I believe we can get a wealth of knowledge on how we can better assist and help Black youth. It’s been mentioned before but it’s true; we have to learn from our past so we don’t make the same mistakes in the present.

Using the research that has already been provided, we can dive deeper and get the voices that matter for the programs to be beneficial for the service users. If we are having a program for Black youth, then we wouldn’t be doing it justice if we didn’t include their experiences, their knowledge and their opinions. Having a greater understanding and different perspectives will be beneficial on all levels, that’s how we can all grow and have more empathy towards each other!

[Raven]

I really agree with your point on how it needs to be black youth themselves being involved in the developing phase, as they know their experiences and themselves more than anyone. Gaining that perspective from different generations will definitely give insight on many different ways to change the world.

[Jae Woong]

As a social work student, I have learned that there are many systematic barriers that the practitioners and program developers do not address much to interact with the Black youth.

By referring to the webinar called “Engaging youth expertise in substance use program and policy development” I have participated in last week, I have found that many of the service providers focus more on the intakes and requirements to enter the program which disengages with youth.

I suggest instead of keep adding new information for the services, it is better to put more effort to engage with youth and try to make a program in youth’s standard.

I have learned that many youths disengage from the program because of its difficulty and having less inclusion for diversity.

I think all practitioners need to start being aware of the influence of intergenerational trauma on Black youth. The practitioners must understand the youth’s trauma and oppression to engage with them.

I think in order to go beyond the systematic oppression that Black youths are facing, I found it is important to gain trust through having communication and show humanity.

[Chantal]

I think you make many good points, Jae! The one that stood out to me most was when you said that programs should be crafted using youth’s standards. It can be easy to put a lot of time into designing a program that we assume youth will enjoy, but it makes more sense to co-design programs. That can be an empowering experience for Black youth, who are so frequently positioned as the receivers of services as opposed to being seen as valuable contributors to services.

[Jae Woong]

Hello, Chantel

Thank you so much for liking my comments! Yes, I think the service can develop through a co-designed program between practitioners and Black youth!

Thank you,

[Abinna]

Trust needs to be established first since the Modules and research has shown that service sectors has done more harm than good. This can be done through strength-based approaches and intersectional advocacy strategies.

[Abinna]

This is continued from my last post on this page.

[Kristina]

Even just this question feels revolutionary – to think of that future and the youth who exist in it is so beautiful. For me it conjures reminders of being trauma informed but healing CENTERED.

Some of the ideas that really stuck with me from this module include not relying just on inclusive ‘mainstream’ programs but creating race-based experiences that allow for the development of a strong ethnic-racial identity (https://youthrex.com/evidence-brief/eight-good-practices-for-organizations-serving-black-youth-their-families/)

Also engaging multi-generational family members (lesson 3.3) – I think I’ve really been downplaying the role of family in my practice, with the goal of centering the autonomy and inherent rights of the youth as an individual (honestly mostly in response to white helicopter parents). This has been a form of anti-Black racism because I haven’t been honouring the structures of Black families and the role of our youth’s community. This is a big shift for me that I know will help me support pro-actively the success of Black youth!

[Kathe]

Absolutely, Kristina! Thank you for sharing. 🙂

Another resource that came to mind outlines 10 strategies for engaging in political consciousness-raising with Black youth, including connecting the personal to the political, emphasizing and celebrating Black excellence, and promoting engagement through healing-centred organizing.

[Alisha]

I have been pondering this question a lot and I am really struggling to answer it, and I think I am struggling to answer it because I work with young adults (16-24yo) and as much as I, and many of my colleagues, have made serious attempts to unpack and unlearn ARB, I am not sure how, without transformative changes, we develop pathways to inclusion in the youth sector. I have a lot of thoughts swimming through my brain by I’m finding it challenging to put them into the words so please bare with me.

I think with systems and institutions built on white supremacy without dismantling those systems, its hard for me to dream and envision this world.

So as I think about some systems that impact youths wellbeing, I started thinking about the systems that they possible interact with through their lives …

1. When black women are pregnant (particularly if they are poor, use drugs or do sex work), they are over surveilled by the state which can and does lead to CAS / family service involvement, and we know based on statistics that black children are disproportionately apprehended and removed from their homes and placed in care. Black women are also more likely to die from complications during childbirth then their white peers because they are not taken seriously. Both the health care system and family services can and do lead to family breakdowns.

2. When children begin school, for black children the school to prison pipeline is real. What are often deemed behavioural / challenging issues that result in disciplinary actions, and DD and LDs are overlooked and go undiagnosed. These beliefs, that they are “bad” can become internalized. Additionally, school records follow children, and teachers / school administrators have pre-conceived notions about who that child is.

3. Black children who end up in the youth courts are sentenced more harshly than their white peers. Black children / youth are also over surveilled, leading them to be stopped by police more often, being known to the police in their neighbourhoods, etc. This can and does impact them when they turn 18yo and become apart of the adult legal system – and similarly we know that black adults are stopped, arrested, incarcerated at higher rates then white adults.

4. Black families who live in poverty or are working-poor, may struggle with food and housing security (also resulting in possible interactions with family services and/or the legal systems), this may lead them to shelter systems. It is often more difficult being racialized to find housing, in addition to the discrimination of being poor, potentially on social assistance, not having a home or landlord reference / credit rating, etc.

5. ARB is an ongoing trauma black people experience, and there is very limited black-specific (and affordable) services to support black individuals / families with their mental health. Again, this can lead to family breakdowns, having interactions with the legal system.

SOOO if we do not dismantle white supremacy (and all the systems that work to uphold it, like family services, education and health care and legal systems, etc), and we are having to work within the confines of it, then I suppose this is how I imagine things …

I think the black-experience in Canada is unique and there needs to be more services and supports available specifically for this community and they need to be accessible. That means money needs to be invested by our governments.

These services and supports need to be developed by black communities, and overseen / reported within the community – while I understand that having government funding means also reporting how that funding is used back to government bodies, having government oversight in the way that is currently is, is harmful and will continue to uphold white supremacy policies.

<font face=”inherit”>I think we need to provide collective care (ie: using our collective tax dollars to fund such </font>initiatives<font face=”inherit”>) while </font>also<font face=”inherit”> trusting each other and communities to do what is best for them.</font>

<font face=”inherit”>Any ways, I’m not sure if this really answers the question at hand, but basically, I think decolonization, and </font>dismantling<font face=”inherit”> white supremacy, </font>patriarchy<font face=”inherit”> and capitalism will go a long way in ensuring their are pathways to inclusion within the youth sector. </font>

[emily]

Hi Alisha,

Thank you for sharing these thoughts. I agree that services being developed and led by Black communities are imperative to building new structures that are sustainable and supportive for Black communities.

[Raven]

Fantastic insight! Not only do these services need to be created/developed, they need to become accessible to the community. There may be many services and programs out there that can provide the support that our Black Youth need, yet their pushed under the rug and/or impossible to access within these communities.

[KELVIN]

I very much agree that while a lot of us are challenging and making attempts at dismantling ABR on an individual, and/or at best organizational level, the mission of achieving a true racism-free service sector would not be complete without the cooperation of fighting this battle on an institutional and systemic level.

[Abinna]

In this week’s module, listening and involving youth is encouraged in creating changes to policies, programs, and intervention/framework. By having youth’s voices heard and acknowledged, we would be able to create an inclusive environment or space. Before involving youths, it is also important to understand one’s own biases, assumptions and social location as well. What may be considered inclusive to one person may not be the case for everyone else. By having additional voices and working with youth, the space would be more welcoming and inclusive. By actively engaging, it also builds trust which would be beneficial in supporting the youth as well.

[Katie]

Hi Abinna!

I think you make a very good point in saying that before we do anything we need to take stock of where our own biases and social location lies. In my response, I shared a lot about how I believe that we need to empower Black youth and their families to take the lead on designing these new inclusive pathways. I also added that in being an ally, the role I envision for myself is taking an active role as well by assisting in any way that I can. I can’t authentically do this, though, if I have not first stopped to do self-reflection on where I stand. What a great point!

[Abinna]

Also, this module contained a lot of research about the Black communities experience in various service sectors. By referring to research and other strength-based approaches like the “Intersectional and Advocacy Strategies” will help with creating the changes needed in service sectors.

[Alicia]

In my opinion, resources and structures of programs and services must be put into the hands of the experts (BIPOC) so that they are free to design and implement based on the known needs and can individualize and present opportunities for culturally relevant and responsive services.

[Chantal]

I agree, Alicia! I think that’s a really important step to reverse the more paternalistic approach to programming, where Black communities are told what they should want or need as opposed to being asked and as (if not more) important, having those requests granted. Because there are times where Black communities are asked, but their concerns and recommendations are not actually implemented.

[Haley]

I think that in order to be proactive about our anti-racism practices we need to ensure that ‘nothing about us without us’ is put into practice. This means that Black voices need to be heard before decisions are made about what is best for Black folks. As a white person I believe that it is important to use my privilege to be an ally and advocate for Black rights. I also think that it is important to include youth voice when it comes to decisions regarding education and youth programmes because they are the ones who will be affected by the decisions made.

[Cassandra]

I definitely agree Haley! Representation in decision-making and leadership spaces is so important. I also believe that validating and acknowledging the experiences of black youth is vital to improving policies and practices around services for black youth.

[Chantal]

Yes, Haley!! Sometimes there is such a separation between those in power and those being impacted by the decisions made by those in power. The judgement of whether a decision was “good” or “effective” shouldn’t be made by those who crafted and presented those decisions. There needs to be accountability there, and community members are one level of accountability.

[Julie]

We just need to focus on removing the stigma associated with accessing these services as it relates to black youth and their families. Stigmatization in and of itself is a barrier. The effects of stigma are real and prevents the pathways to inclusion.

[Victoria]

This is a great point we focus on in my work! There should not be any shame or blame on those who get any type of support or have gone through certain unfortunate things. It is important to put those things aside and instead realize these people are in need of support in many ways and that if we can help we should try.

[Chantal]

For sure, stigma can and does act as a barrier to services. For you, Julie, or anyone responding in this thread, what does addressing that stigma tangibly look like? What could programs/program leads and participants do to confront that stigma?

[Katarina]

Great question, Chantal! I’m also curious to hear how folks are addressing stigma in their practice, especially as it pertains to intersecting identities. This piece about the Black Queer Youth initiative identifies stigma as a major challenge for Black youth who identify as LGBTQ2S, along with racism and exclusion.

[Mitch]

I think it’s important for us to share our own stories. So you can’t ask youth to be vulnerable, or to feel safe to share their stories if the folx in leadership are tight lipped and ‘perfect’ seeming (so, having had no struggles) – I feel like this is why it’s so important for things to be peer led and for those peers to be mentored by folx from community and with lived experience. This is one way I seen stigma addressed very well in community spaces.

[Christine]

I think redesigning colonized programs that are in place. Once we reshape the mindset of collaboration, rather than eurocentric beliefs only, then It was lead the way for further reconciliation and decolonization. Also making sure schools provide anti-racism courses and implementing courses for teachers to learn the proper practices.

[Raven]

Definitely, it would very much benefit various programs if the mentalities were shifted away from an Eurocentric belief. It starts with our younger generations. Institutions such as schools have such an important influence on our youth, so implementing anti-racism courses and better educating the teachers on what subjects/topics to touch on would definitely provide a better pathway to understanding and inclusion.

[Katarina]

I think Africentric programming might be a great place to start. I’m thinking, for example, of organizations such as The African Canadian Heritage Association, which has been doing this work since 1969. In 2016, their youth group worked with Sean Mauricette, aka SUBLIMINAL, to produce a really powerful track entitled “My History”.

If you’re interested in learning more about Africentric approaches, I would also recommend checking out this research summary, which summarizes some of the evidence on the many positive impacts of Africentric interventions, including improved self-esteem, motivation, and resilience. I would love to hear if folks in the field have experiences working within an Africentric paradigm, and whether their experiences can speak to some of these findings!

[Mitch]

Thank you for sharing this resource!

[Sean]

As I mentioned in my response to the previous question…invite them to the table to lead and develop these programs & services.

Have the discussions, and create advisory/action committees to ensure a balanced and holistic approach to programs & services, that truly creates inclusion, not exclusion.

I also believe that as leaders, we need to ensure that our policies/procedures and the written side of programs & services, have proper language and tone to create that inclusive environment we all strive for.

[Cassandra]

I agree, I think centering black youth voices is key. A lot of times programs are designed for black youth without actually asking or listening to the community in terms of what they need to thrive.

[Mitch]

Yes, agreed. And we need to support and advocate for Black youth in leadership places that are supported by funding that values their time and expertise.

[Zoe]

Hi all,

I really appreciate the point you’re touching on here about making sure that there is a genuine seat at the table when thinking about program and service design. I especially like Catherine’s point about helping Black youth develop the necessary tools to participate meaningfully in those decision-making processes. I think the central idea of truly listening with a view to action is important and allows us to place value on the stories of individual Black youth and other Black service users. I think those of us who are non-Black service providers often come from a place of wanting to anti-racist, but being afraid to ask the difficult questions or being nervous about saying the wrong thing. I think we would better serve our mission and our Black service users by putting aside those fears and the desire to stay comfortable, and being willing to maybe ask the wrong question or say the wrong thing.

[KELVIN]

I’m definitely picking up on the theme from multiple responses here about including the frontline workers and youth in creating a true inclusion. This echoes really well with many ideas presented in this module, particularly “listening”, “empowerment” and “advocacy”. While everyone, black or not, can bring something to the table, it can definitely be considered “tone-deaf” when the stories and input from the black communities are not being heard in the process of dismantling systemic anti-black racism.

[Michelle]

I agree…programs are rarely as effective / comfortable / successful if there is not active participant voice involved in the creation / development

[Catherine]

I’m definitely here for bringing those who the services are intended for to the table (Nothing about us, without us!) And I want to add that we should also be giving young people the skills they need to be at those discussions and make those decisions. Instead of throwing them to the wolves (us adults) we need to make spaces accessible to them and make sure they have the confidence to engage. Training young people in a strengths-based way, speaking to young people without using jargon and with the utmost respect, and making it easy for them to participate all lead to better programs, outcomes- you name it.

[Donna]

We have quite a lot of research of what the factors affecting Anti-Black Racism (ABR). The researchers, organizations funded to provide services for Black youth and their families need to work together to talk with/influence the federal, provincial and local governments to fund the holistic programs and service that best serve the needs of the Black and Indigenous communities. Need to ensure that ABR training continues so that it permeates all facets of the general community, so that we can influence changes in behaviour towards Black and Indigenous peoples.

[Uzo]

Agree, Donna! We definitely need better collaboration. We also need to ensure that youth workers and youth can influence policy, program planning and funding priorities.

[Uzo]

And yes, a focus on anti-Black racism must go beyond Black History Month lol