[Danielle]

One simple thing I can do is become more reflective in my practice, as this will allow me to identify when my implicit thoughts are hindering my ability to truly understand the experiences of my client. It is also important that I continue to educate myself on the well-being of Black youth whether be through research, webinars, literature, etc.

[Jodie]

One thing I would like to do at the organization I work for is gather better demographic information about the families we currently work with to help identify gaps in our support. I am currently in the process of developing both a survey and an application form and I want to make sure I am asking the right question and in the right way.

I would like to ask the families to identify their ethnicity(ies). Does anyone have tips on what the option I list should include or other tips on asking this question in an inclusive and sensitive way? Thank you!!

[Chantelle]

We need to create a space and continue dialogue among the staff about the culture around anti-black racism in our workplace and everything that it entails. In turn the same thing needs to be given to the youth.

[Chantal]

I agree as well that more spaces need to created to continue this anti-racism work. In my organization, they are starting to do more trainings and engage in more discussions. In my own work, I work with youth to provide the language for their experiences and provide a space to have open dialogue about racism.

[M]

I agree with you Chantelle, open dialogue in the workplace needs to happen every day around anti-black racism and how improvements can always be made as an organization, and no one stays complacent with how things are. I believe for productive conversation to happen, individuals need to be uncomfortable.

I see many organizations, especially schools, sit at a table and discuss improving black youth’s experience in schooling. At the table, you have the principal, vice-principal, teachers, social worker and CYW’s, all individuals of importance but the EXPERTS of their own experience, our black youths. How do you have a productive, meaningful and impactful conversation if the voice of the youth is not at the forefront? We can centre black youths in our work by bringing them to the table.

[Shelly]

I think we, as a society, need to acknowledge the realities of black people in this country. I thought the first module spoke to this issue quite well. But there is much more to be done. Knowledge needs to inform action and change. You can talk to people, ask questions, and discover what their experience(s) are like in your field of work, and integrate that knowledge to change the perceptions of people around you and your superiors.

[Shannon]

I agree with the points you have provided. Creating a safe space that allows individuals to open up about their experiences allows you to better understand and support them in their learning. A big focus in my line of work is identity building, which is established through creating trusting relationships, safe spaces, and actively listening to an individual’s story.

[stacey]

I agree with Velta comment and also share the belief that my agency would also benefit from using race based data collection in an effort to understand why black families are significantly underrepresented within our client population and what actions the agency can do to change this issue. Our agency has recently partnered with |CTYS in an effort to incorporate ABR strategies to improve and evolve the agencies mandates and practices, this work has just begun. The simple thing I can do to centre black youth wellbeing in my work is to is constant self reflection. The work of personally deconstructing how “white supremacy” has “informed”, shaped, negatively impacted and brainwashed me as a “white person|” of privilege and power is paramount. To constantly challenge my social conceptualizations and be hyper aware of how that impacts my work with black youth and there families. Self reflection and personification have been such important concepts throughout this workshop because it has to start with me for my work or I am of no use to the black kids and there families that I work with, in fact I will be contributing to there problems and not supporting them towards advocacy and as the spoken word says, I will not be able to sleep at night.

[Nadia]

I have found it’s helpful in building an alliance with new youth (clients) to take an interest in any special clothing they might be wearing, hat, because sessions have been virtual this year, noticing and asking questions about art or artifacts in their surroundings (home or bedroom). I learned so much about them (places they’ve been, gifts from relatives etc…). Not only did it help break the ice, but it was sooo interesting.

[Kristina]

I was wondering if anyone has seen resources for critical self-reflection. Based on one of the presentations in this certificate, I’ve been dedicating an hour each week to reflecting on my work with Black youth, mostly through journaling about what happened this week, what I should have done differently, etc – but I’m wondering if anyone has seen maybe a workbook that I could also integrate into that time. Thanks!

[Raven]

That sounds like a great task to implement in your daily routines. Self reflection is key to self awareness. At this time I don’t know of any self reflective workbooks, but I will for sure look out for them and share with the group. 🙂

[Judah]

<font color=”#4d5c6d” style=”background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);”>I would like to share one simple way I have incorporated the value of taking this amazing course. I have really been reflecting on intent vs. impact and how having good intention isn’t enough. Being a black male I can recall many times people have had good intention however I was left feeling uncomfortable after, an example I like to use is when people ask me where I’m from. If I reply with I am from Toronto they proceed to ask me where I’m really from, they want to know where I hail from culturally. The intention is to get to know me but the impacted in now I feel othered and like I don’t belong. This is a really helpful way to engage in conversation, and to teach people including myself to question our on bias and reflect on our intentions. </font>

[Raven]

Thank You Judah for sharing your experience. Distinguishing intent vs impact is very important, as you proven from your experience. It’s sometimes even hard to tell if others have good intentions when they make comments like that or if there’s something underlying. This is a perfect example of the importance of reflecting on the comments we make before we say them out loud, but it’s great how you put those two together.

[Mitch]

I can create more space and make room for the diverse stories and experiences of Black youth. In the work I do around masculinities a lot of care and intention is taken to prepare our space where participants authentic selves are welcome. It means being more intentional of naming and invoking the importance of Black experiences in our spaces, to elevate the voices, joys, and struggles of diverse Black masculine experiences and it also means advocating institutionally for the hiring of Black staff to lead this work.

[Katarina]

This is beautiful, thank you for sharing! We (at YouthREX) recently hosted a (short) film screening and discussion centred on creating healing spaces for young Black men. It was a really engaging and inspiring event; I would recommend checking it out, if you have the time. (You can find a recording of the event and a link to the short film here.)

[Mitch]

Thank you for the recommendation. I attended that session and I was quite moved and inspired by the film. I also attended From Trauma Informed to Healing Centered Youthwork and I am so grateful for the work you are doing at YouthRex and the knowledge you are sharing. It is improving the way I work and how I advocate at my centre.

[Scott]

Listen! I still find there are some in my sphere of influence who do not trust or believe the lived experience that Black youth and families share with us. One simple thing I can do is advocate for us to listen, engage, and earnestly respond to the stories and experiences that are vulnerably shared with us.

[Raven]

Of course, actively listening to the stories that are shared with us from youth and their families is very important. I feel like it’s also important to praise them and acknowledge their strength and trust to share such vulnerable experiences.

[Victoria]

I am currently in the child and youth care program at Centennial College in Toronto. It is my final semester and we have discussed much of this topic over the last three years of my schooling as child and youth care practitioners work with a variety of people. One thing we have discussed is to simply examine much of our own biases, beliefs, thoughts and more and what their impact may be on others, especially black children, youth and families we work with. We also try to keep in mind any of these things when working with anyone as we do not want them to interfere with the work we are doing and we want our work to be client focused. Moreover, allowing for black youth within our practice to feel welcomed and understood through not only this but through the implementation of practices such as this that center on them is important. For example this could be more discussion of black history, the BLM movement and those similar to it, racial discrimination and injustices that may be in practice, laws, etc. and I think advocating for black youth and helping them advocate for themselves.

[Raven]

Thank you for sharing your insight from your course Victoria. I really like those options of change you shared, but it’s also great to hear that the Child and Youth program is implementing those types of discussions for students to engage in, as this is critical when coming into these types of fields and working with a diverse population.

[Gabriella]

<font face=”inherit”>One ‘simple thing’ I’ve been considering recently is being aware of the unspoken messaging Black youth experience in their first interaction with my agency, and unpacking what that messaging conveys to them about their ability to feel their experience and authenticity are welcome here.</font>

<font face=”inherit”>While there are deep layers to that (and that comes with the necessity of</font><font face=”inherit”> the staff to do the work to back up the message that it’s a safe space), a more simple component might be on the visual cues we are sending to youth in the space.</font>

<font face=”inherit”>There are more obvious (though of course, still very important) aspects such as </font>representation<font face=”inherit”> of the staff they see (on all levels) and the advertisements and signage for our agency. But on a simple level, this course has challenge me to consider what about my personal office/intake space (signs, slogans, even sometimes attire) that sets a tone for youth from the get-go before they are even invited to begin sharing.</font>

[Sonya]

There are many things that I’m processing and considering following these lectures when examining how I can improve my practice as a mental health worker in the community. The one thing though that is standing out in my mind as something small and simple that I could start doing right away is asking Black youth with whom I am working during initial meetings if they have any concerns or hesitations about working with someone who is white. Potential barriers, blind spots, and power imbalances are things that I consider, think of, and often discuss with my team members, but they’re rarely something I’ve named out loud to my youth.
Additionally, something I was reminded of in listening to this set of lectures was to be mindful of how the mental burden and burnout from racial injustice that Black youth experience impacts their day-to-day living and potentially their work with me. It reminded me that I could do better to check-in and to bear witness to this, as a part of my role in supporting their mental health. This too I will strive to incorporate in my practice.

[Raven]

Great insight! I definitely believe that simply getting the opinion of black youth and their families around working with other races will demonstrate to them that you are aware of the daily struggles they may deal with through their interactions with other races.

[emily]

One simple thing I can do to support centre Black Youth wellbeing is to continue to deeply listen to what Black youth have to say and share without judgment while being empathetic, validating their experiences and feelings and empowering them to self-advocate. For this to be successful and not harmful I will engaging in continuous self reflexivity and reflection and hold myself accountable for constantly unpacking any biases, judgements or idea I have learned.

One thing my organization could do is to create a panel or board of Black Youth to support and inform the program and services provided. I believe compensation should also be provided to Black youth for their work in their as well.

[Raven]

Self reflection is key and very important in any work being done with and for Black youth.

[Jenny]

A simple thing I can do is more actively challenge my pre-conceived notions of what “success” is and understand that it is largely based on Eurocentric ideals that fail to acknowledge the inequities that continually oppress marginalized groups, particularly Black youth. At my organization, I hope to lead more conversations regarding exceptionalities and the ways Black youths with disabilities face challenges fueled by racism and ableism.

[Raven]

Definitely agree with you Jenny, redefining success would be a great start. Also I really like your point of having more conversations about the challenges black youth with disabilities face.

[emily]

Hi Jenny!

Thank you for sharing this. It is so important to see the issue intersectionaly and listening and amplifying Black Disabled Voices.

Here is a great Activist I follow and enjoy:

https://crutchesandspice.com/

[Katarina]

Diversifying our feeds is so important; thanks for the recommendation, Emily!

[Raven]

Currently I work within a youth treatment centre and even though my workplace does not primarly work with a large population of black youths, we have begun to implement more services, trainings, meetings and activities into our every day work (as we should) in order to shed light on the issues in our community and to better educate the youth we work with.

With that being said this link was recent’y shared with me and I thought it would be nice to share with everyone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2L4J7bD9R0

[Sajah]

I work for a school board. We need more learning spaces in schools dedicated to Black Youth programming and supports, staffed by Black professionals, supported by Black-led organizations. Black youth need safer spaces to develop and use their voices.

[Raven]

Agreed! In my opinion, in order for black youths to feel safe enough to use their voices they need to see their own as the ones in these authorative spaces and the ones implmenting these services and programs.

[Tracy]

Very true Raven. Our voices need to be in spaces serving our community.

[Amanda]

I believe that one of the most critical aspects of centering Black youth well being is to listen, listen, listen! More often than not, we are so used to “defaulting” to our own ways of understanding that at times, our advice and practice (while well-intentioned) may get ahead of us and this can be much more damaging than it is healing. As mentioned previously by others in the group, this is one of the pillars of allyship. This reminds me of such a relevant and profound quote by Maya Angelou in which she stated: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them.” At many instances, we encounter Black youth in our practice and we may preconceive an idea of who this Black youth may be without letting them be who they are (e.g. Dr. Carol Wade’s example in Module 3 of the Black youth stereotype of assuming a Black male youth is a gang member based on the clothing they wear). Essentially, those in our line of work should continuously support, honour, and commend the vulnerability of Black youth in sharing life experiences whereby our humility creates a safe space—and space, overall—for their vulnerability.

[Mitch]

Thank you for sharing this. I agree and I would add – listen more carefully, more intently to really hear what Black youth are saying. I’ve also learned to listen sideways – and what I mean by that is to step back and leave space for youth testing the climate they have just stepped into. I have learned that on first, or second, or third meeting folx are not going to trust me (there is historical reason in mainstream health care for distrust). I have to earn the trust of Black youth in programming by listening and being present to all of who they are without first making assumptions about who they are.

[Maha]

Hi Amanda, I love your point on emphasizing listening. Too often we let assumptions or circumstantial hearsay form our opinions – for example, walking into a classroom and hearing a student say ‘Oh Black Student A? They never do their work’, and automatically some educators may become wary of the Black youth as a trouble-maker on the radar. As you mentioned, even their apparel or external appearance may add to the initial assumption, and even rejection from the collective. Your solution to listen is so vastly important, and I would also add for educators to listen and not start ‘reading’ students. Vague readings like, ‘Oh, that student is untidy or unprepared, perhaps due to an uncaring home-life’ can overwrite another’s life by usage of a biased personal lens, or even casual statements like ‘Oh, they are always unprepared’ can lend to generalizations that students can become stuck in as their permanent identifier. It is imperative to allow Black youth to shape their own narratives, identities, and thinking. As educators, it is important to step back and allow Black youth- actually, scratch that, the word ‘allow’ is very problematic in terms of power hierarchies – step back and pay attention to Black youth in their own self-expressions.

[Shelly]

As a professor who works with diverse students striving to become educators themselves, I think including ABR curriculum in all of courses is critical but also ensuring this content and awareness is encouraged in all students so they can bring forth this awareness to their own practice of teaching in the future. I also think we need to see more representation in the curriculum and continue to steer away from Eurocentric lenses.

[Georgina]

I work with student volunteers. One simple thing I can do is foster a constant open dialogue with my volunteer groups about the activities and campaigns we put on and provide as many opportunities as possible for them to shape, build, and lead what we do on behalf of the space. One simple thing my organization can do is maintain the collaborative partnerships they have with community organizations and establish a format to invite and receive feedback and suggestions from them that we can continue to learn and build from.

[Mike]

One simple thing I can do is to pay Black youth to participate as leaders who review and critique our programming, and have their say on how to improve it. I can take that one step further and try to facilitate conversations between this leader group and the organization that I work for, so that the youth may have their say not only on one program, but on the organization as a whole, its mission, strategies and programming. This is of course out of my hands, but I can talk to my superiors and try to convince them to participate in these kinds of conversations with youth.

[Marc]

Making an effort to amplify Black voices in both of my jobs. As a municipal councillor I can amplify the voices of black council members and policy makers which can help connect black youth I know with professionals they may see themselves in.

As a college professor I can invite black youth to various tables and amplify their voice at those tables.

Amplification doesn’t sound like much but it is a simple thing to start.

[Shelly]

I agree. Being a professor myself, amplifying voices is important. I believe we can do this by ensuring our faculty are aware, and doing this in their courses as well but the department as a whole. We have created an Anti-Black Racism & Equity committee that meets regularly and the University and Colleges I work with have also followed suit. We include content in our newsletters for students and we ensure representation is there

[Amy]

Hi, for me I think it’s explicitly asking about race ‘ “how does it feel to be a young black man/woman” in today’s society? And giving them the space to share because I don’t think a lot of times black people get asked this question. I would also like to create a drop in space where black teens can discuss any issues that are relevant to them with a focus on developing resiliency and awareness of their history.

[Kaitlyn]

Hi Amy,

I agree with your statement about simply asking Black Youth about their own experiences with racism, discrimination, and challenges they face in their life. As I personally work with many Black families in my position along with young Black children/youth it is important to highlight that in my assessment, treatment, and ongoing supports. I think bringing those discussions and labeling it can reduce discomfort and help support the therapeutic relationship. It may also provide additional opportunities to discuss other barriers or challenges they face outside of mental health to assist in access to specific services and resources.

[Zoe]

One Simple Thing I can do to better support Black youth is to leave my assumptions at the door. I’d like to strive to always ask what experiences, stories, and words mean for that Black individual. In doing so, I must engage in a continual process of critical self-reflection to ensure that I am not imposing my own interpretations of experiences, stories, and words onto Black service users in a way that obfuscates their own truths.

[Mary Lou]

Looking at being active in inclusion and bringing forth opportunities for students to look at current issues and histories. Finding ways to incorporate different perspectives. Finding resources for students that are relevant. And listening. Keep on the journey of learning.

[Cale]

As a youth counsellor with a Master’s degree in counselling psychology, much of what I was taught in school focused on eurocentric modalities such as CBT and DBT. These modalities often minimize the impact of systemic and institutional oppression, pathologizing the individual as oppose to considering the larger context that contributes to their pain, suffering and mental health. After embracing these lectures and reflecting on the content discussed, one way I will begin to center Black youth’s wellbeing, is by taking a step back from these modalities and allowing more space for Black youth to tell their narrative. Rather than rushing to formulate measurable goals and provide bandaid solutions, I will listen wholeheartedly to their stories time and time again. I will encourage creativity and innovativeness, and I will invite them to guide the process by asking what they need from me, from my services, and from the community as a whole.

One small thing my organization can do to centralize Black youth’s wellbeing and voices is to invite formal and informal feedback on how to improve services of care for Black youth and families. As a longer term goal, I would like to see my organization provide actual paid opportunities for Black youth leadership and peer support by implementing new programs based on the feedback received.

[Abinna]

Absolutely agree with listening and validating the Black youth’s experiences. A safe space will be needed for the Black youth and the community to feel safe to share their experiences.

[Anujah]

As a clinician who has worked with black youth and families, I think it is the bare minimum as a service provider that we should provide a safe, non judgmental space. However, when I work with these youth I always try to weave in conversations of generational trauma. A lot of the depression, anger, frustrations, hurt that these youth carry are not only as a result of their immediate situations but also as a result of the traumatic experiences which have biologically been passed onto them before they were even born. Tying this piece into therapy also gives these youth an understanding that the picture is much more bigger then they think- and also motivating to these youth to change the narrative of not only theirs but also their ancestors, and their lineage. This training was eye opening in showing the biases that we carry into our practice as clinicians, even the subtle things we may overlook which can have catastrophic impacts on the youth that we work with.

[Sarah]

To center the wellbeing of Black youth and families in my work I can engage in critical self-reflection and leverage power and privilege. Creating a safe space will be important in allowing for their story to be heard and share their knowledge by “being the expert”. When working with Black youth and families I can ask how they would like to be worked with and continue to build a trusting and collaborative rapport. In our agency I believe we need to look at ways to form allyship and be mindful of using a trauma informed lens when working with Black youth and families.

[Andrea]

A big part of the way I will engage in critical self-reflection is to look at some of the data we have collected as an agency. As one of the speakers noted, it isn’t enough to just get the data, it is about what we do with the information. Some of the data may show a disproportionate number of Black and Indigenous people having their service with our agency end early due to not following program requirements. It is important for me to dig deeper in this way.

I also agree that listening to Black youth voices is important. I also believe that we should compensate Black persons as they support our understanding of their experiences. We may employ HR specialists and managers to support the employees of an agency and, in the same way, we should employ Black and Indigenous people to support our agencies.

[Kiaunna]

I agree with this response completely! I too would like to include continuous self reflexivity practices in my work while engaging with Black youth. This will ensure I am creating safe spaces for the youth to interact while also ensuring I am doing my due diligence in providing trauma free anti-oppressive social work. As for my organization, I would like to see a space at the table for Black youth to create their own programs and projects to address the needs of other youth in the community. There is substantial value in having those with lived experiences lead the way in creating community based programming.

[Sureka]

I believe one simple thing that I can do is to create and open and safe space for Black youth to share their stories and have their voices be heard. Allowing them to use their voice is the beginning of empowering them.

One thing our organization can do is to see how we can better address systemic barriers that Black youth are continuing to face, how can we address it in our programs specifically. Using the information and knowledge that was shared in this course, we can take a look and see what changes we can make to better serve Black youth and families.

[Jovelle]

This is amazing! I also feel that centering black youth and giving them a safe and comfortable space to share their thoughts and concerns would be very helpful and progressive to their growth and better the ways that I can personally help them. Making them feel seen and heard, as well as ensuring that they know I care and want to assist them, however I can. Furthermore, revising policies and programs to be more inclusive of black youth and work to combat anti-black racism, would be beneficial in any organization and institution that supports youth.