Virtual Café by YouthREX | Karen | Activity

Karen replied to the discussion Areas of Privilege in the forum Centering Black Youth Wellbeing

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 02:38:38 -0500

If I consider mental health as a privilege then I’m associating that with being mentally well (mental wellness), having the ability to think, feel, act in ways that positively impact you physically, socially and emotionally. According to the definition provided in module 4.1 “privilege is a ‘systematically conferred advantages individuals enjoy…

Karen replied to the discussion Why is anti-Black racism still a problem in Ontario? in the forum Centering Black Youth Wellbeing

Sat, 05 Mar 2022 04:02:34 -0500

Reply to Why is anti-Black racism still a problem in Ontario?

I believe anti-Black racism still exist in Ontario because there aren’t enough people (who are committed to the work of dismantling anti-Black racism) in places of power to shift policies, laws, and in general systems that are strategically in place to oppress Black people. In order to change the system we need to be in positions of…

Karen replied to the discussion Accessibility in the forum Centering Black Youth Wellbeing

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 03:54:31 -0500

Reply to Accessibility

I think the assumption that Black people are able to withstand more comes from both within and outside of Black culture. First, the deliberate efforts to represent Black people in ways that authenticate their brutality and exclusion, solidifies the myth that we can handle more burden. So when we reach out for help, our cries are ignored. …

Karen replied to the discussion What is One Simple Thing you could do to center Black youth wellbeing in your work? What is One Simple Thing that your organization could do to center Black youth wellbeing? in the forum Centering Black Youth Wellbeing

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 03:19:42 -0500

Reply to What is One Simple Thing you could do to center Black youth wellbeing in your work? What is One Simple Thing that your organization could do to center Black youth wellbeing?

I feel it is important to validate Black youth experiences. Often in my work Black youth voices and experiences are disregarded or misconstrued as disrespect when they are in many case attempting to advocate for themselves. I think the education system in general could work harder to provide necessary training around ABR and its…