[Ijaabo]

Anti-Black racism is still a problem in Ontario because colonizers refuse to take accountability for their misdeeds. White settlers continue to occupy stolen land without providing reparations to the Original Peoples, nor acknowledging the broken treaties and striving towards reconciliation. As long as white Canadians continue to enact violence against Indigenous peoples, how can we expect anti-Black racism to be taken seriously? Black people deserve reparations as well for the violence they endured through the Transatlantic Slave Trade, violence which is still ongoing and in fact reinforced through modern-day institutions like policing, mass incarceration, child welfare, the school-to-prison pipeline, and the destruction of Black families, to name a few. White settlers have too much blood on their hands and there isn’t enough water in all the seven seas for them to even begin cleansing them centuries later. Land back!

[Sanjana]

I feel like it’s still a problem because of the communities and just distance. Ontario, outside of the eastern edge, is very sparse and most of the small towns are still very white-dominated. These communities don’t have much, if any, interactions with POC which allows anti-black racism to persist. I had met someone in university from the area of Chatham-Kent and he would tell me that racism is all normalized as jokes, and he didn’t like that environment. So while students may be taught about anti-black racism and other aspects of racism, they’ll feel that it doesn’t apply to them because they don’t know how to use that knowledge.

[Meg]

Having spent a few years of my career working in the diversity & inclusion field, I observed that people tend to be apathetic towards issues that do not impact them directly. This is why intersectionality is such an important consideration in every sector. It is also necessary to consider how anti-Black racism shows up within other movements (such as LGBTQ pride events, feminist rallies, advocacy, etc.). Overall, we need as a community need to care more about one another.

[Martha]

So much has been discussed in this post. I’m not certain that I can add anything new necessarily. There is no question that anti-black racism is alive and well in Ontario/ Canada. Such a complex issue and much more complex than many people realize. From what I have seen there is a general discomfort in taking about racism. We have been encouraged to soften these conversations to make it more palatable. Further entrenching the white fragility that exists and persists. I teach at a local college and had several white students walk out when I spoke about white privilege. I needed to run things over in my mind after wondering what I said that was so offensive. Upon reflection I didn’t say anything wrong but witnessed the discomfort many white people experience when talking about racism. Beyond this what I learned from my own journey was my own oblivion in what black people experience. I was beyond devastated in my ignorance. Growth is uncomfortable for many as it requires us to acknowledge our own flaws and biases as well as our contribution to the problems that persist.

[Lynne]

Hi Martha,

I am interested to know if any of your white students who walked out, later offered to talk more about their thoughts and feelings?

[Christopher]

I find myself, after taking this course and engaging in the lectures of modules 1 and 2, thinking about the tribulations and possible microaggressions that I encountered or even partaken in. Thinking about all that has been discussed in module 1, I can consider that it has been such a practice point of view and system for Canadians, that there is still this “ghost” that lingers within society; it almost implies that “it’s okay” or “it’s not a big deal.”

Admittedly, this issue is something that I have not given in-depth thought before until starting this course, but now I see that it is much more complex and old than I had given it credit. I find myself becoming more critical about the actions and words of my peers, organizations, mentors and myself when it comes to the material that I have learned.

[Caitlin]

I also just finished Module One. It was packed with so much information about how anti-Black racism had been key to the formation of what we know as Ontario today and that all of our dominant systems, social norms and structures have been built upon anti-Black racism. In addition, I was struck with how the erasure of the presence of black people within the dominant narrative of Canada’s history, and the erasure of these stories position a dominant history and reality which positions white people as the stars of history and the rightful protagonists in the story of Canada. The thought that the story of the Undergrown Railroad is something that allows white people to feel like they were the good guys, Canada meant freedom and there was no racism or slavery here is eye opening. This is still being taught in our schools. As a youth worker in a rural area these are important conversations to have.

[Li]

I think I will take into account the varied experiences of my clients before meeting with them and elevate the voices of Black communities.

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[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.

[ARTI]

One simple thing I could do to center Black youth wellbeing in my work is active listening and building authentic relationships.

[Mel]

I agree. I think stats are important to see where there is a ‘lack of’ something. There is usually a large focus on what was ‘done right or good’ but often a neglect to really analyze the criticism that’s also present. I wish more organizations and agencies actually took the time to make the changes that the data presents.

I think things that can be done are around active listening and providing appropriate spaces plus adequate compensation for youth and guest speakers. I find a lot of people listen to develop a response when actually they should be listening to learn, listening to actually hear, listening to breakdown the colonial ideologies that has been bled into our societies for way too long. We also have to recognize that it is our responsibility to actively learn, research and grow in our knowledges of Black history, worldviews, perspectives, ideologies ( and so much more ) and that guest speakers should complement that learning rather than be the pillar for learning only when the organization/agencies force a training or that one time workshop to go to in order to fulfill professional development requirements.

In regards to compensation, I feel that BIPOC individuals are rarely compensated appropriately for their time. I think the assumption is that ” oh we are just paying them for the hour they spoke” when in reality it’s transportation, food, lodging (if necessary), materials, the time it takes to prepare, the emotional labour, needing down-time afterwards and the expertise: all of that and then some, should be compensated. I also believe that youth speakers should be paid similar to their adult counterparts as they provide the same amount, if not more, labour for such engagements; especially if they do not have full time or even part time jobs.

[Joy]

Great playlist! I liked how the music opened and closed each module. My favourites here are Glory, Rise Up, and Brown Skinned Girl.

[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.

[Danielle]

To echo some of the comments already mentioned I think it is important to provide safe and secure spaces for these youth where they feel heard, their strengths are validated, and their experiences can be acknowledged. In addition, I also believe those working with youth also need to be provided with further education in order to engage with these youth in a way that provides them with a sense of empowerment and support.

[Sarah]

Just finished Module 1. Heavy stuff. There was so much I didn’t know. I wish more people had access to lessons like these – or maybe the desire to inform themselves.

[Jenny]

A diverse and amazing collection of artists. We have a Section 23 school that is run Monday to Friday for the young people accessing our services. Now with Covid restrictions allowing for meals to be shared together again (of course following all health recommendations and social distancing protocols), I would love to hear this playlist being played in our common areas/dining room over meal times and between classes. Music has the uncanny ability to bring us all together and this playlist would be an awesome addition to our site.

[Jenny]

I agree with your statement Luciano, as well as many others as to why anti Black racism still a problem in Ontario. The history of Canada’s role in colonization isn’t embedded in our curriculum in school, unless we have sought out education like this training, I don’t think most Canadians have any true idea of the role our country has played in anti Black racism. I can admit that the Heritage Moments on television that boasted about Canada’s role in the Underground Railway, was about the amount of “education” I received when I was younger. It’s shameful and needs to be rectified.

[Arielle]

THIS part! 🙌🏾

[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.

[Li]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I think self-reflection is the first step in recognizing the problem.

[Li]

I agree with you! It’s time to take action. In my line of work, I will make sure to advocate for increased representation of the Black community.

[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.

[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.

[Joy]

I agree with what you have said here, Shelly. I find that in Canada, we have been sold the myth that Canadians are “nice”, “polite”, “peacekeepers”… thus, the idea that anyone or any system in our country might be racist is hard for many to fathom. I’ve heard it said that while Canadians might be “nice”, we often are not “kind”, and I think that sums us up really well. We are “nice” in that we don’t want to rock the boat, but in so doing, we also allow the status quo – which is white supremacy – to continue. We are so “polite” that we can’t discuss racism; it becomes a topic that is “off limits” when having conversations, and racism can’t be fought, let alone eradicated, if it’s not discussed or even acknowledged. Without talking about it, admitting it occurs and starting to recognize our own parts in the system, it perpetuates.

[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.

[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.

[YouthREX- Kamau]

I definitely agree with those points. Anti-black racism has relegated black people to the bottom of the global economic system, which was founded, and in many ways still thrives off of exploitation. I believe that in order to make any type of progress in combatting anti-black racism in Ontario, the Canadian and greater global economic system will need to focus on equitable policy changes to offset the history of systemic racism.