[Kathe]

We recently partnered with the Vulnerability, Trauma, Resilience & Culture (V-TRAC) Lab at the University of Ottawa to develop a resource that highlights findings from a recent research study on the overrepresentation of Black youth in Ontario’s welfare system. The V-TRAC Lab is directed by Dr. Jude Mary Cénat, who you’ll probably remember from Lesson 3 of Module 2 of the Centering Black Youth Wellbeing certificate, The Impact of Anti-Black Racism on the Mental Health of Black Youth.

This new factsheet highlights seven reasons why Black youth are overrepresented in Ontario’s child welfare system, surfaced through focus groups with caseworkers and community facilitators in Ontario, and offers strategies for how the youth sector can respond. You can now access this resource from our Knowledge Hub in both English and French.

[YouthREX- Kamau]

If anyone desires more research on these topics, Wisdom2Action produced a great youth-engaged report on addressing anti-black racism:

https://www.wisdom2action.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Anti-Black-Racism-Final.pdf

[Tobin]

* Be authentic.

* Empathize. However, do not look down upon.

* Challenge the systems and structures in a way that fits who you are.

* Know that despite the odds being stacked against many Black young people, they can be the source of change if given the opportunity.

[YouthREX- Kamau]

I really love the point of young black people being the source of change if given the opportunity. Too often young black people’s experiences and thoughts are disregarded, and they are told what they need without any of their own input.

[Monique]

The thing that most stuck out to me was how important it is to be in partnership with Black families and communities from the beginning, when an organization is laying out plans for collecting data for the purposes of change. If an organization has not committed to anti-racism, and the work involved with it, they will continue to perpetuate the same cycles of harm because they are not looking at the context, the gaps, or what would be meaningful change within the Black community. It will be “doing for” instead of “doing with” and will likely be laden with racist biases if the reflection work is not happening. Or, as was mentioned in the 4.3, they will collect data about disparities but will not have put in place accountability measures to follow through on those findings, or, because they haven’t established relationships the Black community, will continue to work with the same agencies they have existing relationships with, and be missing vital insights into what would most helpful to lead to systemic change.

[Yasmine]

Two findings we can draw on to highlight and challenge the impact of ABR on youth and their families are: family structures & gender differences. These two connect very well.

Black families are almost always associated with gender dynamics and differences. These assumptions could be “absentee” or abusive fathers, in which it is assumed that the father has abandoned the family or that they are negligent or even violent towards the family. What is never really considered could be the financial needs of fathers to be away because jobs are elsewhere, or the vicious cycle of poverty that is still felt by Black men in this generation even though it could be traced to the 1970’s and even further into slavery. For Black Women, our “leading the household” is not as admired, rather it is frowned upon and pitied. Single-Black mother’s are often blamed for their singleness and also blamed for any misteps done by their children. Many of these misteps could be attributed to what was mentioned above. Many Black youth, including myself, come from woman-headed households and although we are proud of our mothers, the assumptions that it is ALL sadness and struggles without any offers of support is disheartening.

In reality, Black family structures are not binary. As the research shows, Black families can be nuclear, intergenerational, queer-positive, single, or guardian-based etc. Acknowledging and including these different groups in curriculum or even representation can be a form of challenging ABR in itself.

[Natalia]

Thank you Yasmine.
My household was a Matriarch home. My mother , a Black Femme Lesbian, and grandmother were/are the head of the home and even though there are older men in the family, after my Grandma passed away my mother became the Head of the family.

It’s important to stop thinking about the binary in Black Family homes and allow the conversation to open up to accessibility and diversity when raising Black Youth.

[Sarah]

In the lectures two key points stood out to me. Firstly, the importance of anecdotal evidence as research. As someone who studied science I often forget about the need for interviews and personal accounts in this work. Secondly, the need to involve community members in how you are using the research. It is important to recognize the emotional investment community members are making by participating in research, as such we owe it to them to report the outcomes of this data.

[YouthREX- Kamau]

The need to involve community members stood out to me as well. Community members should always be considered due to their contributions and the subsequent impact the data can have on them.

[Ciara-Joy]

How might we draw on the research findings to highlight and challenge anti-black racism on youth and their families?

Well in my opinion it is important to research findings and highlight what is the most important challenges, highlight what issues are arising, and figure out what the best programs, services are that can be offered.

[Abdulai]

Absolutely. It is already an established fact that whatever research findings are gathered, the fight against racism is systemic and embedded in structures. As such, until such structures are challenged and dismantled, then we shall use our research to support Black youth and their families.

[Baidir]

I totally agree with you, these systems need to be changed but awareness is the fist step and many are not aware. Research is only useful if used properly, if we neglect the clear results and choose to only see empty numbers it will lead us nowhere, Empathy is important to be able to associate these findings to people.

[Shannon]

I agree Baidir! While data and numbers are always critical, we know that correlation does not equal causation and while it shouldn’t take a rocket scientist to understand why these numbers matter, they always do need to be placed into context. This can be done through further research but at the same time I agree that real-world experience is often more impactful for folks for whom the scientific process does not necessarily resonate.

[Baidir]

I totally agree with you, these systems need to be changed but awareness is the fist step and many are not aware. Research is only useful if used properly, if we neglect the clear results and choose to only see empty numbers it will lead us nowhere, Empathy is important to be able to associate these findings to people.

[Camilla Persaud –]

Using research findings year after year only highlights the increase in the impact of racism on Black youth and their families. How much research will it take for others to realize this is not a problem of the past or a problem that does not exist in our society, BUT a problem that has been snowballing – growing over hundreds of years that is still not receiving the necessary solutions. The research only screams louder and louder that Black lives are being lost and neglected in our society. If an entire community is hurting what are we going to do to help? Again, similar to why anti-Black racism is still a problem in Ontario – it has been a learned norm to “hate”. Taught in our school books, in our Eurocentric models of policy and systems – the research only supports that fact that the systems and barriers in our society need to be changed.

[Joe]

I think the use of research findings are helpful to show the prevalence of racism within Canada and the impact of racism. A topic often discussed in the lectures to date is that of Canadians thinking “racism doesn’t happen in Canada” or that “acts of racism in Canada are the exception, not the norm”. I think the research findings shared here were quite impactful – especially when we look at the percentage of individuals who identify as having experienced racism. I think statistics such as this would either (1) be shocking to some who think racism isn’t a problem in Canada or (2) be saddening to those who realize that it does not shock them. These realizations can help spark personal or systemic change. Even more so, ongoing research and data collection can help us to track progress/change over time in regards to the impact of ABR efforts (hopefully positive change).

[Camila]

Research is pivotal in understanding what is taking place within the organizations we are part of. I do think that research needs to include the voices of young people, rather than the perceptions of adults, who may often not be Black, and may be in serving professions. Research that asks the very questions that may challenge biases, and that directly asks about the lived experiences of Black individuals within the systems we work in, without the alteration of language to continue protecting Eurocentric and racist ways of practicing and existing. Research that holds organizations accountable and opens the way for transformation.

[veronique]

Je crois que la recherche est un bon reflet de la réalité mais elle est trop peu vulgarisée et partagée. Il important de partager ce qui a été découvert et le partager à plus de gens possible afin d’avoir un impact concret dans la lutte contre le racisme anti-noir.

[REX]

Oui, il est important que l’apprentissage informe la pratique.

[YouthREX- Kamau]

Research findings can be used to illustrate the challenges black youth and their families face due to anti-black racism, which helps in combatting the viewpoints that minimize the impact of anti-black racism. However, to pro-actively assist black youth in their growth and development the research must be used to understand what kind of assistance institutions need to provide black youth and their families to counteract systemic oppression.

[Victoria]

My goal for my agency and programs would be to use the research findings to adapt our programs to better support youth and their families. I also agree with a few people that have also spoke about unlearning’s that need to take place so I would use the research finding to further educate myself and commit to continued learning.

[Jessica]

I agree with you as well, Victoria, about the need for unlearning to take place. I believe that research plays an important role in challenging misconceptions and inaccurate beliefs which can help facilitate that process of unlearning and re-learning.

[Martha]

In addition to drawing on existing research findings that highlight the existence and impact of anti-black racism on youth and their families we need to continue to ask courageous questions. In order to really change the culture within our agencies and institutions we need to draw attention to policies, practices and examples that do not support black youth and families. It is not enough to state that an agency or institution is committed to change without some hard evidence showing the internal problems that exist and persist. Humility is a key ingredient.

[YouthREX- Kamau]

I definitely agree with these points. I believe one of the most powerful ways to illustrate the reality of anti-black racism in a society is by highlighting research findings that exemplify the different treatment and outcomes of black youth in comparison to their counterparts. Many people tend to attach anti-black racism to fringe communities and not as a systemic problem, but research findings that highlight different outcomes from the same environments disprove this.

We all acknowledge that no race is superior to another, so if the research findings show different outcomes then people must acknowledge that there are some external factors manipulating the outcomes based on race.

[Rachelle]

I have been reading through the highlights of so much of the research that has been done. One thing that stands out is that even though we have been trying to change outcomes, there is still so much work to be done! I have been using the research to help me track improvements and to see what has worked and what has not moved the needle in a significant way. I want to focus my efforts on making the most impact. The training, coupled with the research, is also helping me to ask informed equity questions in my line of work.

[Sarah]

Sorry I’m meaning to reply to the original discussion question, not one person’s specific post (tech doesn’t always agree with me).

I think as youth workers, its important to acknowledge that our profession (i.e. social work) has often been used as a force to harm communities of colour, especially Black and Indigenous communities. Therefore, our education and understanding of how to help youth is often grounded in Eurocentrism and anti-Black principles. Part of un-learning this involves utilizing research that challenges our biases and focuses on the impacts of anti-Black racism on Black youth and communities. We can use this to better inform our practices with youth.

[Andrea]

Exactly! And asking ourselves some hard questions. For example, for the organization I work for, a big question I have is why Black and Indigenous youth are not accessing our services. Based on research, we know that this is in part due to lack of trust in social services. How do we challenge this as an organization, as individuals who work there?

[Kiaunna]

Hi Danielle, thanks for sharing with the cafe. Your post was spot on! I think another way we can draw on research findings to highlight and challenge the impact of anti-Black racism on youth and families is to ensure that the literature we are pulling on is from Black scholars. Often times, there are stories written on us and about us but not by us, and that can become very dangerous. This potentially opens the door for the misrepresentation of how Black bodies may experience racism.

It is paramount that we also draw on research findings that detail the experience of Black youth and families. Often we see work that is drawn from the experiences of African American folks, and though many similarities do exist, it is essential that we hold Canadian systems accountable for their doings in Anti-Black racism.

[Danielle]

I think the research findings indicate to us that there are still large gaps within the system that need to be rectified. As mental health workers, social workers, and child and youth workers, we must continuously be seeking out these sources of information in order to expand our personal practices and gain the tools and knowledge needed to challenge the system as a collective unit.

[Kaitlyn]

As I was completing Module 4, it demonstrates the importance of critical reflection at a team, self, and organizational level. It requires ourselves and the agencies we work within to critically reflect, analyze, and put into action. I believe that self-reflection and awareness is an important step in further understanding one’s privileges and learn of our biases. However, it may not always occur at a team or organizational level to make those significant changes needed. It may be uncomfortable and a fearful journey; but, it creates thoughtful action. It is important for organizations and teams to take accountability and focus on building capacity and awareness for action.

[Jovelle]

I truly agree with you Danielle. I feel that research concerning how to combat anti-black racism and the ways in which many black youth are susceptible to various forms of structural and systemic racism, highlights the extensive work that needs to be done on our part as youth workers to address these issues and provide the most competent care for these youth. It should be our priority to constantly pursue research and resources that can further our knowledge in order to dismantle these oppressive systems and also use them to inform our colleagues and peers.

[Shelly]

I think that fundamentally, the research on the impacts of anti-Black racism simply isn’t real (or convenient) for most people. Although there is much talk and adaptation of anti-racist, anti-oppression frameworks for organizations, there is often not enough training focused on the multifaceted impacts of racism. All of the research discussed in this module needs to be connected to social change – now, not in the future. It needs to be highlighted, talked about, discussed and debated openly in our society. We need to ask ourselves, our family, friends, neighbours and politicians what they are going to do about anti-Black racism. We need to challenge them and work to demand action.

[Raven]

https://cinefam.ca/blog/five-questions-for-nadine-valcin/

I wanted to share a quick clip called “Whitewashed”. This clip sort of answers that question on how research findings can help highlight and challenge the impact of anti-Black racism on black people as a whole. Through this clip Nadina V used an accumulation of research findings to gather information on the topic of slavery in Canada. Nadina uses film as a form of activism which I find to be very inspiring and clever, especially during this era. The film highlights slavery in Canada using black women’s skin colour and texture as the focal point.

[Victoria]

I agree much with what other people are saying about this. Accepting our biases, thoughts, beliefs, etc. and challenging or learning from them is important in this case. As well, much of what we do in my practice again is what other people have said in putting our thoughts aside and hearing those other people out, learning not from our assumptions but from other people’s actual experience.

[Raven]

Hi Victoria,

Great to hear that, that’s something your program is already practicing. I agree, it is critical to incorporate active listening skills when working with black individuals and allowing them to share their experience.

[emily]

Drawing on research findings that highlight the challenge’s and impacts of anti-Black racism reveals the impacts of ABR, intergenerational trauma, systems built on white supremacy and show us the gaps in the systems. A lot of these gaps can be addressed on a frontline and individual level by a continuous engagement in reflective and reflective practices accountability, internal and external advocacy and continuous self-education and conversations surrounding Anti-Black Racism.

Working against anti-Black racism and supporting Black families I make a ongoing commitment to center the voices and experiences of Black youth and families and critically listen to their goals, ideas, thoughts. I engage in ongoing self-reflections and reflexivity, knowing that the only way to provide support that is inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive is constant growth, education and self work.

[Kaitlyn]

The current research findings demonstrate that the challenges of Anti-Black Racism within the systems such as the Mental Health Sector continue to show the gaps. It has been shown that Black youth struggle to access mental health resources and services until they are experiencing significant enough symptoms that police or hospitalization occurs. As well as, it shows that due to barriers for Black youth in communities they may not be aware of what resources and services are available to them.

It is the duty of mental health agencies and organizations to work against Anti-Black Racism with trainings, coordinate ways to address ABR, partner with Black-led organizations, and include the voices of Black youth. I find that we notice diversity in front-line staff; however, as we work our way to the top levels of organizations there is less representation. The less representation we have of people of colour at the top it makes it challenging to shift access for Black youth to our mental health services. I believe that we need to continuously challenge these systems and structural levels to ensure changes are made to support our Black youth throughout the communities and better understand the barriers they face each day.

[Raven]

I really like the way you put that; Growth, Education and Self work! Great reflections. These aspects should be a responsibility for the frontline and individual levels.

[Cale]

As a youth counsellor working in the mental health sector, I can attest to the necessity of race-based data and research that highlights the impact of anti-Black racism on Black youth and their families. While many organizations claim to practice from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive lens, many have no idea what this actually entails. Staff are not properly trained, programs are not designed to accommodate the unique needs of Black youth and their families nor do they involve Black youth in the program design, and many agency’s lack Black representation and leadership. By drawing on race-based research, we can acquire insight into the depth of this issue, and begin to understand how to dismantle systems of oppression that uphold anti-Black racism. Though mental health organizations might be very well intended, the history of psychology and psychiatry is deeply entrenched with racist ideologies, and these ideologies still seep through in various interventions today. Race-based research would allow mental health professionals to stop pathologizing Black individuals and communities, and instead consider the broader context that impacts their mental health. Race-based research would help to illuminate wholistic strategies for healing that are relevant to Black communities. And lastly, race-based research could provide methods on how to hold agencies accountable to a true anti-racist, anti-oppressive framework.

[Raven]

I 100% agree with everything you have said Cale.

Many organizations that portray themselves as contributing to anti black racism approaches at the end of the day don’t really have anything actually within their programs to reflect that fact. It comes to my mind again about how some of these organizations talk the talk for ministry guidelines, yet either the evidence is not there or not followed afterwards.

Black representation within these organizations is also important in reassuring black youth of what they can amount to.

The history of psychology does contain racist ideologies that first need to be changed in order for these mental health services to be 100% free from any forms of racism.

[Jenny]

Racism is bad. We all know this is true. We all know it is “rude” and “unkind” and “hurtful” but to see the research…to see the impacts multi-generationally, to learn that “racial discrimination is the best predictor of depression amongst Black youth in Canada,” is gut-wrenching. The data is here, the research exists, yet very little has changed. Only recently has anti-black racism been acknowledged to exist by most of society. As a youth worker, while I acknowledge the demands to work towards dismantling the systems, Dr. Jude Mary Cenat’s focus on internalized racism made me realize just how powerful these systems are – not only do we have to fight overt racism, counter microaggressions, stereotypes and prejudice, we must pay attention and find ways to create restorative justice amongst Black youth who struggle with internalized racism. While I acknowledge it is largely a systemic issue, this module has made me really stop and reflect – yes, we must be demanding justice, but we must also stop to acknowledge the trauma, pain and impacts that racism has inflicted upon Black youth.

[Raven]

Hi Jenny, thank you for sharing your opinion and experience. It can feel so frustrating to read/see the research and data that clearly demonstrates these various types of discrimination and racism towards black youth, families and within their communities.

I completely agree, yes the data is right there for all of the world to see, yet they (government and authoritative individuals) continue to persuade us to think that it is non existent, which sadly some people actually do end up believing.

I really like how you pointed out that only recently anti black racism approaches have been acknowledged in certain societies, because it’s true. In my opinion people don’t think about the injustice black individuals face everyday and the discrimination/prejudice they go through, until something extreme happens that you can’t turn a blind eye to.

It makes me wonder; before something extreme has to happen to a black youth or individuals or within a black community, how can we help these individuals who choose to turn a blind eye to acknowledge the historical and present day struggles black communities face?

[Amanda]

Traditionally, there has been multitudes of research regarding anti-Black racism but unfortunately, so much of it has gone by the wayside and has not been applied to processes of policymaking in government, educational, employment, and law enforcement settings. From the research, it is abundantly clear that Black youth are overrepresented in the criminal justice system and in expulsion/suspension/dropout rates within the schooling system. Further to this, rates of unemployment among Black youth are significantly higher than their non-Black youth counterparts. When looking at such data, it is glaringly obvious that there are huge gaps in the implementation of policies that should be fed by recommendations from this data. As such, this is the first step: Research recommendations should be appropriately implemented into policy and laws so that government funding can then be prioritized in these areas. Moreover, there should be systems of resources (also identified through the research) that are readily accessible to those who require it. Finally, there needs to be a consistent system of “checks and balances” in which Black youth and their families are treated fairly and equally in institutions such as education, law enforcement/criminal justice system, and in the employment sector.

[Mary Lou]

Developing a way to incorporate strength based approach to working with others.

[Raven]

Implementing strength based approaches would be a great first step as this type of approach is able to offer control to the person and give them a new mindset.