[Samantha]

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. Often it has felt daunting to know where to start locally, when a lot of research/information/programs are centred around the GTA. I’ve always leaned towards analyzing the broad-scale and systemic context, but I understand it is crucial (and achievable) for me to invest time in understanding my local context better – from finding relevant news, reading municipal reports & action plans, or locating Black-led agencies and any information they may post/publish. Understanding the challenges facing Black youth specific to their location and environment is vital to engaging them effectively, ensuring that I am not placing the responsibility on them to teach me relevant background information, and puts me in a better position to focus on their unique experiences, centre their voice, and advocate collaboratively.

[Larissa]

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.

[Tarin]

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.

[Julia]

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 debrief and reflect after calls with Black youth and then discuss areas of opportunity for future contacts (what went well, what I need to work on, what I could do differently, what I need to be mindful of, etc). I need to be honest and open to the critical reflection in order to activity work towards being anti-racist. We also have trainings at our organization that I can review. It’s always good to have a refresher. On a personal level, I commit to speaking up in social settings and having open conversations with folks about ABR. I also commit to on-going learning and growth.

[Kathe]

There are over 300 contributions to this discussion thread! This space has provided us with an opportunity to share with and learn from one another since the Centering Black Youth Wellbeing certificate was first launched.

We reviewed ALL of your suggestions and created a NEW Factsheet: 20 ‘Simple Things’ to Centre Black Youth Wellbeing, summarizing 10 individual and 10 organizational practices to centre Black youth and support Black youth wellbeing.

Check it out and continue to share your practices here!

[Salma]

One simple thing I could do in my work as a community worker is to continue listening to Black youth on what their experiences and perspectives are like when they navigate themselves around the City of Toronto and its surrounding areas.

One simple thing that organizations and agencies could do to help center Black Well-being and it will benefit employees in the workplace is providing training such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This will help educate them on a variety of different topics, such as Anti-Black Racism and how to properly engage with people of African and Caribbean descent professionally.

One thing I would like to improve when it comes to the outcome for Black youth personally and professionally, is that I would like to continue educating people on the topic of Anti-Black Racism (ABR) and the history behind it.

[James]

One simple thing I can do in my organization is present management with a recommendation to include ABR training for all new and current staff, as well as commit to an action plan to implement ABR principles into our work. I also want to focus on what I can do as an individual to better support black youth and families. For this, the concept of critical self reflection really stuck with me. Taking the time to reflect on experiences, hold myself accountable, and identify any biases that arise. This will take active work, ongoing education, and taking the time to listen to and learn from the black youth, families, colleagues, mentors, and friends in my life. As a part of this, I want to challenge myself to lean into the discomfort that comes up when reflecting, as this is where I feel true growth will happen.

[Joshua]

I believe that one simple thing we can do to center Black youth wellbeing in the workplace is to listen closely, self reflect, continue to advocate for Black youth wellbeing, and continue the conversation.

I believe that our agency would benefit from Black led mandatory trainings/ education that center Black youth.

[Rose]

Thank you for your discussion post, Joshua.

I echo your point. The places I have practiced would greatly benefit from additional workshops and trainings including and similar to these offered through YouthREX.

Imagine if more of our white colleagues took or had taken this Centering Black Youth Wellbeing Certificate on Combating Anti-Black Racism, and how this learning could positive impact their approaches to their work. – RS

[Helena]

The most simple and forward looking thing that we can do as an organization is continue to educate ourselves on the experiences of Black youth and consult our youth on the most effective and culturally considerate approaches to our facilitation, programming, and work. It is most important to me to consider the lived experiences of the youth we interact with when conducting programming to ensure that they are heard, understood, and redirected to resources that will assist them in avoiding future criminal activity. It is difficult to meet youth who’s actions are a result of systemic barriers, racism, discrimination, and other intersections of marginalization or vulnerability; responses of fear and to the actions of their peers who are not being penalized for their racist remarks or blatant threats of violence given their privilege. The simplest thing I can provide my youth is a willingness to learn, see, hear, and advocate.

[Samantha]

One simple thing I could do is actively listen to the stories, experiences and perspectives of black youth I support. It is crucial that their voices are included in decision making processes to ensure the their needs are being met, and are reflected in the services I provide.

Similarly, my organization can continue to amply the voices of black youth, and include them the decision making process they have as an organization, when it comes to providing supports and services.

[Katie]

This module has perhaps been the most intriguing of them all. I have been spending most of my time in this certificate sitting in discomfort thinking, “I can acknowledge my privilege and my biases, I can acknowledge that racism very much exists in Canada still, but what can I, as one person, tangibly do?” It is true that my privilege, as a white person, is what allows me to even be able to ask that question. To have the possibility of saying “there is nothing I can do.” The most eye-opening theme of this module was that it is not enough to be aware. You need to take action. As a teacher in Ontario’s education system, here is what I can do.

1) The most simple thing that I can do is to perform some critical self-reflection before and after my interactions with Black youth in my classroom and their families. What biases or assumptions am I making? Am I considering the perspective of the people I am serving? Am I considering what privileges I have in this conversation and how they might be harmful? Am I willing to admit when and if I am/was wrong?

2) When Black youth comes to be as a trusted adult and tells me about any form of micro-aggression or otherwise that they have experienced at school I need to take it very seriously. I need to show this student that I truly am an ally, that it will not be tolerated, and that they are believed.

3) I can advocate in my organization to do the one simple thing that I think they can do. Make this certification mandatory. I came across this certificate in a singular email sent out by my school board. It was optional. It could have easily been hidden amongst the hundreds of others that we receive in a week. There were no reminders that it existed. There are no barriers to enrolling in this certification and learning, it was free. I am so glad that I decided to learn, because I have learned a LOT. However, I do think that the people who might decide that this certification is not for them, are the ones that may need it the most. Our privilege as a mostly white staff allows us the choice whether or not we want to engage in this work or learn from this course. We should be checking that privilege at the door. I wish that everyone would choose to enroll, but the reality is that they won’t. We should not have a choice.

[Kayleigh]

One simple thing that my organization can do to center Black youth well being in our work is to sit with them and discuss what their needs actually are, in a way that is action-focused and allows them to collaborate in the process of the organization becoming more inclusive. I work in education, and some students founded a collective for racialized students, and I have always been curious about the kind of funding they need. For example, do they want a paid coordinator whose job is to advise and advocate for them with administration, separate from the equity officer, who is somewhat in charge of everyone on campus. I want students to feel safe and like they will be heard if they bring their concerns and experiences to the administration and find a way for these to be communicated to us so that we can act on them.

[Siobhan]

One simple things I can do to centre Black youth wellbeing in my work is to continue to educate myself on anti-Black racism and Black experiences, and listen deeply to Black colleagues, staff, partners, and youth participants.

One simple thing my organization can do to better centre Black youth wellbeing is to ensure there are Black staff, facilitators and youth workers for our youth programs. I would also love to see the inclusion of anti-Black racism specific policies included in our accessibility and safety policies.

[Sofia]

One simple thing that I could do in my personal practice to centre black youth is ensure that their needs are met and are being heard. I am committed to paying extra attention to how their needs may differ from those of their white counterparts. In addition, I will advocate for more workshops and educational training around centering black youth.

[James]

I work in the healthcare system and much of my work involves supporting people in connecting to resources within the community. One thing I can do to improve the care I provide to black patients and families is work to identify and develop partnerships with black community agencies, educational programs, and mental health services centered on black youth wellness.

[Rachel]

Firstly, one simple thing I could do to center Black youth’s well-being in my work is to emphasize and hold myself accountable with critical reflexivity. I like to believe I am self-aware and address any biases I may have but as this module has taught me that is not enough. I will ensure I am consistently identifying and reflecting on any blind spots or biases and address my thought process as well as how it could be impacting my work with Black youth and their families. Furthermore, I feel this is critical to centering Black youth wellness in my work as I cannot truly and wholeheartedly provide the competent care they deserve if I am not holding myself accountable and ensuring that the care I’m providing is truly free from biases and blind spots.

Secondly, one simple thing that my organization could do to center Black youth’s well-being is to design programs and services specifically designed for Black youth. I believe these programs and services should be created in collaboration either with Black community stakeholders or Black-led agencies and organizations to ensure they are relevant and competent for black youth. Additionally, the staff hired to run or create these programs must be Black women as it ensures they are being created by those who share and understand the Black experience. As I work for a women’s centre an example of this could be a girls group for Black young women or a Black young women’s support group run by Black women.

[Kelly]

Rather than creating programs and services for Black youth and families in mainstream organization – support Black-led and Black-focused organizations in their work. Learn about what they do – where the collaborative opportunities are – provide referrals – engage to ensure a spectrum of services and supports are available for Black youth and families – do what Black youth and families need – and not trying to fit them into what you are offering – be flexible – listen – advocate – evolve – be respectful- learn – be humble and use your privilege to support and recognize Black brilliance.

[Michelle]

To help center the wellbeing of Black youth, I can continue to be an active listener while taking the time to practice my own critical self-reflection. By actively listening to my students’ experiences, I hope to be able to provide them with a safe space for them to express themselves and their concerns. From these conversations, I can then assist and support these students in finding the resources, mentorships, or any other campus supports they might need. Having gone through this course, I believe I am now certainly more attuned and aware of the racial inequities that are (and continue to be) taking place. In regard to a simple change that the organization could do, one would be to continue offering these types of learning opportunities across the institution while providing platforms for further discussions.

[James]

I’m imagining two things that are possible in my role. 1. To spend more time authentically listening to black youth, and only responding once I understand the issue. (Self Reflection, looking at any processes or procedures that may create barriers, looking at any implicit biases I or the institution may have). 2. Use whatever institutional power I have to validate those responses, critiques, and experiences, and put something into practice that addresses those issues. In effect, to center that response/critique in my own work.

[Nathalie]

I feel I have always shown sensitivity to all cultural groups and tried to become more educated on/aware of the racial inequities up until this current point in time. I can genuinely understand and empathize with the information given and be able to process it all in a way that can gain my experience/knowledge to be able to then pass it onto others. Focusing on this and having these open discussions available will open doors to other groups who face similar challenges. Although I have not walked in the direct shoes of such underrepresented groups of individuals, I am constantly learning. I have completed ongoing training and professional development in other areas that enhance the knowledge of this, whether it be here at York or throughout my Undergraduate and Graduate education. However, I would like to continue to become more aware of the inequities that these underrepresented groups face so that I can educate others and utilize this knowledge in my professional and personal life to be more sensitive and understanding of the many perspectives faced.

[Derrick]

I think for me personally, it is listening to our Black youth and acknowledging their experiences and partnering with them to take action to help them achieve their goals and support their well-being and success. One of the other things that I can do personally is share my own experiences and be authentic and vulnerable with them in sharing how I was able to navigate through challenges posed by Anti-Black racism and offer to be a mentor and part of the support system for those youth who may be facing similar challenges.

[Alexandra]

One thing I took away from listening to the lectures and readings in module 2 is that it is really critical that we actually take the time to listen properly to black youth when they express their issues and problem or ask for help or assistance etc… Listen without bias and listen with care. Not only that, but then confronting your own implicit and possibly explicit biases and placing those aside and choosing to believe them. Listen to what they are actually saying and extend the respect to actually believe what they say and act accordingly. Take everything else out of the equation. It sounds so simple, but I can imagine just being heard and believed would go a long way to improving trust, morale, confidence and renewed inspiration in learning and the education system.

[Judith]

I believe the goal should be to create an inclusive and supportive environment that acknowledges and addresses the unique experiences and challenges faced by Black students in higher education. Centering Black youth well-being in my work as an Academic Advisor at a University involves adopting an inclusive and culturally competent approach.

I also believe the University should advocate for increased representation of Black faculty, staff, and administrators within the university and highlight the importance of diverse role models and mentors for Black students.

Also as advisors, we should actively listen to their concerns and provide guidance tailored to their individual needs.

[Trinez]

As an individual committed to this cause, one simple step I can take is to actively listen. This involves creating opportunities for Black youth to share their stories, experiences, and concerns in safe and supportive environments. By truly listening and valuing their voices, we can better understand their unique needs and aspirations.

For my organization, one simple yet impactful action would be to involve Black youth in the design and development of programs aimed at supporting their success. This means actively engaging them in the decision-making process, seeking their input, and co-creating initiatives that directly address their challenges and uplift their wellbeing.

Understanding that the experiences and perspectives within the Black community are diverse, this approach allows us to embrace the richness of their cultures while ensuring that our efforts are inclusive and genuinely meet the needs of Black youth. It’s about fostering spaces where their voices are not only heard but actively incorporated into the fabric of our programs and strategies.

[Yushu]

One simple thing an individual could do to center Black youth wellbeing is to listen to their experiences and amplify their voices through taking actions . A<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>n organization could do to center Black youth wellbeing is to educate employees on Anti-Black racism and impact on Black youth, support organizations that center black community, and to have a designated program for Black youth.

[Thaarini]

One simple thing that an individual could do to center Black youth wellbeing in their work is to actively seek and amplify the voices of Black youth. This could involve creating platforms or spaces where Black youth can share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas. It’s important to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue to understand their unique needs and challenges.

For an organization, one simple thing to center Black youth wellbeing could be implementing mentorship programs specifically designed to support Black youth. This could involve pairing them with mentors who share similar backgrounds or have relevant experiences. Mentorship can provide guidance, encouragement, and a sense of connection, fostering a supportive environment for Black youth within the organization.

[Lily]

One simple thing I can do to center Black youth wellbeing in my work is understand the lives, interests, experiences and challenges of the Black youth I work with from a place of genuine curiosity, without trying to assume everything I experienced at their age is the same as their reality. As an organization, we can learn not only by directly listening to the Black youth we serve but also by incorporating the best practices from other Black-centered organizations, researchers, and training opportunities.

[Tianna]

I want to create a safe and authentic space for my Black youth by first showing up as authentic in my work, being teachable and a learner. I think it is important to help the youth know their voice is valued and know that they are being cheered on in their journey. In order to center my Black youth well, I have been challenged to learn each of my students for their uniqueness and the individuality they bring to the community they are apart of while helping them to uphold an awareness of lifting up other Black youth around them.

[Alison]

I can continue to be compassionate towards all students including Black youth. I can ensure that they feel supported and provide them with the safe space to open up on issues bothering them. I can provide them with resources across campus that will help them based on what they tell me. My organization can help gather a resource page that I can share with students that will help center Black youth wellbeing.

[Alison]

I agree that is so important to listen. Then Listen. And Listen again. It’s very easy for one to compare stories or say “yes, I understand”. It is very easy to think that we may know how they feel. It is one thing to empathize but another to think that we know exactly how they feel. Everybody’s lived experience is different and there is not one single experience that has the exact same emotions. Everybody has a past and this past can be filled it trauma and different experiences. These experiences shape and form the way we react to things. It is important to recognize unconscious bias because we cannot assume that we understand the full picture.

I find it very critical to understand that just talking about it isn’t enough. Actions speak louder than words. As mentioned, talking about it can be just like adjusting the band-aid a little bit. That statement cuts deep and has me totally shattered. The fact that talking about it doesn’t at least remove the band-aid makes me feel so upset. This means that the trauma is much deeper than the cut itself. The trauma is also having the band-aid and how it makes that person feel. It is the judgement of the band-aid. Somebody else might feel that the band-aid can be removed, but nobody understands except that person.

I believe that having trust is the first step in having a student open up to me. I understand that I must seek their permission before moving forward on any next steps. Sometimes they just may want to be heard but don’t want my help. Accepting that rejection will take some time to get used to. If somebody trusts me with their story, I’d want to help them and see it to the end. But the end could maybe not involve me. It might not be might part or my position if they don’t want me to help.

[Angelita]

I can be more responsive to the needs of students by sharing the importance of their cultural heritage in the way they learn, play, experience joy, pain and sadness. There is a lack of comprehension about the Black experience in school, as often times this is lumped into one by non-Black individuals. Taking the time to share the historical context of being Black in predominantly White spaces will provide insights on how to change the narrative and behavior towards Black and Brown students in school. Holding others accountable for their actions and ignorance, when they continue to perpetuate racial violence and discrimination especially in our education system.