[Agnes]

I think that evaluation can support youth programs by highlighting the voices and experiences of program participants. like sharing stories and testimonials from program participants to showcase the impact of the program in a meaningful and relatable way.

[Rachel]

After completing this module and taking some time to reflect on this question I believe that there are various ways we can pro-actively design pathways to inclusion in the youth sector. A few of these ways include the involvement and input of black youth in the development of programs and services, cultural competency training, and organizational accountability. Firstly, the active involvement of the black youth that would be participating in the youth sector is crucial as we would be ensuring that their unique lived experiences and barriers are taken into consideration when creating programs and services, ensuring the most culturally relevant and effective programming possible. Additionally, the collaboration with black youth would aid in assisting the trust and bond building needed for successful programs and services to take place. Secondly, every organization that works with black youth should be mandatorily required to complete cultural competency training to ensure they understand the historical and social context that racism and discrimination have on black youth and families. Also, cultural competency training would benefit anyone working with black youth as they would be able to provide a more inclusive, welcoming, and safe space for black youth. Lastly, accountability within each organization would be crucial to make sure that the programs and services being offered to black youth are truly anti-oppressive and anti-racist and are actually benefiting and positively impacting black youth. This can be done by self-reflection, group reflection, consulting with black youth, and consulting with black-led organizations.

[Monet]

This was all new information for me as well. It was a highlight of this course for me. It’s been really nice to also share this information with my close circle and spark discussions about this

[Ron]

Thank you for sharing this. Music is a powerful tool that can be used for healing and connection!

[Rachel]

There are a variety of ways in which research and data can address and challenge anti-Black racism among youth and their families. Firstly, by compiling and simplifying data and research into easily understandable content for people; we can amplify Black voices and concerns more quickly and efficiently to a broader audience. For example, a research study on the adultification of Black youth, presented as a short video or informational poster, could be shared widely through public platforms like social media or public transportation posters. Once these findings reach the public, it becomes easier for those who are uninformed to begin understanding and educating themselves on dismantling anti-Black racism. However, these media pieces should be created based on existing data and personal stories, rather than exploiting the trauma and discrimination faced by Black people for educational purposes; creating educational materials should not come at the expense of Black people’s well-being. Additionally, as mentioned by others, utilizing empathy and compassion through human connection, such as interviews, spoken word, and personal experiences, can mobilize larger groups of people to demand systemic and political change. There is already a tremendous amount of data on anti-Black racism in Canada and its effects on youth and their families; we know it is detrimental to their well-being, and further research will continue to confirm these results. What is crucial now is using this data to ignite outrage within communities that may be ignorant to or ignoring anti-Black racism in Canada and encouraging them to use their privilege to amplify Black voices and bring about real change. Additionally, research and data should be examined by all youth-serving organizations to identify if intra-organizational anti-Black racism is occurring within their circles and how their work might contribute to the anti-Black racism faced by Black youth.

[Young]

Teaching true history to the younger generation is essential because history plays a vital role in forming their identity. I can’t forget the shock when I visited the National Museum in Ottawa ten years ago and stopped by an exhibition explaining Canada’s history. The history of Canada, which began in prehistoric times, felt as if it was empty before the arrival of Europeans. Since the indigenous parts of Canadian history were exhibited separately, it didn’t seem easy to understand it properly unless the two were understood comprehensively. In addition, it was challenging to find the Black contribution to Canada’s history. (It was ten years ago, so I’m unsure how things have changed. Hope things have been changed!)

I’m not only saying I want to see Black history in museums. We need to teach and inform this fact through textbooks to children at their schools, people to people on the streets, and newcomers in the process of immigration. Otherwise, changing the existing notion is impossible.

[Rachel]

Anti-Black racism is still a problem in Ontario as well as Canada for a variety of reasons including the historical context in which Black people existed in Canada, the lack of black voices in large political and influential systems, socioeconomic disparities, the silence and compliance of anti-black racism at the hands of white privilege and it’s privilege holders, and implicit biases. Courses and education on anti-black racism such as courses like these are crucial in addressing and holding those in power accountable for the way in which the systems they have created and stand by have never worked in the favour of black people. Listening to black voices and creating change would be the bare minimum in creating change toward the eradication of anti-black racism and systems in Ontario. We know that Canada’s claim of being an anti-racist multicultural safe haven is absurdly untrue and continues to be a way in which those benefiting from white privilege can refute claims of anti-black racism throughout the country. Until policies, practices, and legislation are addressed and changed anti-black racism will remain prevalent in Canadian society.

[Michelle]

Anti-Black is still a problem in Ontario because anti-Black racism still exists in schools. We need a school system in Ontario where the experiences of black students are centred and the knowledge, needs, and aspirations they bring into the classroom are honored and validated.

[Julia]

This is really amazing thank you for sharing! I connect so much to music and think it can be so powerful. I will for sure be enjoying this playlist and will share with others too☺

[Meaghan]

Thank you very much for sharing this.

I’ve taught the song “Rise Up” to my English class and it was very powerful. We listened to the song first, then followed along with the lyrics and lastly watched the music video. It was very interesting to see the different interpretations and connections.

Quite a few of the songs are explicit. Are there clean versions of those songs?

[Michael]

Envisioning a future where Black youth are free from anti-Black racism requires proactive strategies within youth programs and services. Culturally competent training for staff, representation that mirrors the community, and safe spaces for expression are essential elements. Education on the history and impact of racism, community engagement for tailored program development, and intersectional approaches acknowledging various identities further contribute to inclusion. Advocacy for systemic change, robust evaluation mechanisms, and youth empowerment initiatives are crucial for sustained impact. By celebrating diversity, fostering mentorship, and actively involving Black community leaders, these programs can create environments that not only address the service needs and gaps faced by Black youth but also actively dismantle the barriers of discrimination and inequality.

[jordan]

Addressing anti-Black racism in Ontario requires a multi-faceted approach that includes education, policy changes, diversity and a /ton/ of community engagement. I believe that a major contributor to this issue is the lack of diversity in leadership positions within healthcare institutions that contribute to the perpetuation of systemic racism. Diverse perspectives at decision-making levels are crucial for addressing and dismantling discriminatory practices. Leaders influence organizational policies and advocacy efforts. Diverse leadership can contribute to the development of policies that actively address and mitigate systemic racism within the healthcare system. They can also advocate for broader societal changes to promote health equity.

[Sahir]

Anti-Black Racism has a long history in Canada, and similarly in Ontario.

Therefore, it will take years of individual effort as well as systemic changes in order to make meaningful progress on this issue. Thanks to Youthrex for their efforts in this area, and I hope that we all agree that more work needs to be done to ensure that the Canadian black community is treated with fairness and as the integral part of Canadian and Ontarian society that they are.

[Sandra]

I think the narrative of the “cultural mosaic” of Canada and the lack of systemic recognition of Canada’s harm to racialized people allows a lot of racism to fester. Also a lack of a forum for free conversations around personal biases can make confronting systemic and personal discrimination difficult

[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.

[Dr. Marlene]

By establishing a community of trust that promotes and models evaluation as an empowering process of intentionality, learning and ownership.

[Ellis]

Anti-black racism is not a new issue in Canada and has occurred in the education system for more than 160 years and includes the establishment of segregated schools for Black students. The impact and legacy of anti-Black racism date back to the North American Trans-Atlantic slave trade and the enslavement of Black people. Increased attention is now being paid to anti-Black racism because of recent global events. Black people and communities are not a monolithic group and come from diverse cultures, nationalities and have varying religions and customs.

[Lissa]

I think the true history of Canada is going to continue to be revealed. There is much that we do not know yet. I found Professor Michele Johson’s piece on the history of slavery in Canada to be very enlightening and disturbing at the same time. I just purchased a magazine called ‘Canada’s History’ and I am very interested to see what type of portrait it paints about Canadian History. The magazine features individuals like Mary Bibb (opened the first school for Black children) and Arthur Richardson (worked as a teacher and principal in Chatham and was the first Black man to attend the University of NB). These individuals were teachers in Canada in the late 1800s. One of the issues the stories talk about is how the white children responded when Black children entered the schools . I haven’t read it yet, but I will get back to you with more details. My feeling is that we will not be able to move forward and make changes in our world if we do not face the REAL truth about our history first.

[Alyssa]

• By teaching everyone, including ourselves, about the background, existence, and various manifestations of anti-Black racism in Canada.

• Calling out racism and discrimination when we encounter it, as well as confronting our own prejudices and stereotypes.

[Meaghan]

I think there are several ways we can work towards dismantling anti-Black racism, including:

* Educating ourselves

* Listening to and understanding peoples’ truths

* Standing up for what is right

* Creating mutual relationships

* Providing equal access to health care and other resources by reducing barriers

[Barb]

Keep talking about it!

[Slaven]

I would start with spreading awareness and promoting education.

[David]

I’m not sure if or how I can answer this question. My brain is swirling with information and I am shocked at the lack of education I have experience about these issues. Michele Johnson’s lecture on Black Canadian History was shocking – I was never taught any of it in school. I think possibly that is where to start. In education. Teaching Black history and influence on Canada in all of its aspects. Listening to Andrea Davis lecture on black masculinity, also got me thinking about how economic position (the 1%, the wealthy) fuel anti-black racism. I think for a lot of while people, terms like white privilege and anti-black racism aren’t terms that they consider (example of white privilege) because they don’t face those specific terms in their daily lives. They don’t have to reflect on those issues so through ignorance they don’t realize they reinforce those realities for other people. I think for a lot of people that have been essentially beaten up by various systems e.g. lack of government supports, corporate downsizing etc that favour the wealthy, and when you see governments (mostly conservative) selling resources and things like healthcare to private companies; and as quality of life continues to get worse, white people have the same practical needs/fears/concerns as members of the black community. They’re effectively marginalized from an economic perspective and can’t access the resources necessary for survival. Where the current systems of control and oppression reinforce antiblack racism is by then saying the blacks, muslims, immigrants are going to take away what you little you have. The black lives matter movement is positioned by MSM and right wing media as a fundemental threat to whiteness and white existence. So when the black community is rightly standing up to say black lives matter, that they need the same supports and opportunities as members of other communities, “marginalized” white people then look at “Others” as a threat. Consquently, systems of antiblack racism are maintained in order to control the fear of marginalized whites to use as a weapon. I hope that makes sense. Bascially, as long as the powers that be remain in power, their will be a continuous struggle to dismantle anti-black racism.

[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.

[Kathe]

YouthREX is collaborating with Youth Opportunities Fund to host a conversation about evaluation in Ontario’s youth sector on Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 11AM to 12:30PM ET. 💬🔎📏📊✅💡

We know that evaluation can feel confusing, like extra work, disconnected from supporting youth and driven by misplaced accountability. But it doesn’t have to be this way!

This conversation will explore evaluation as a core strategy that youth programs can leverage to maximize their impact, and we encourage you to share your questions for our panel of special guests, including:

-Jasmine Noureddin, Lead, Program Evaluator, Youth Opportunities Fund

-Trevlyn Kennedy, Manager, Children & Youth Services, BLOCK Project, Dixon Hall

-Caroline Hummell and Adrienne Young, YouthREX’s Customized Evaluation Team

Do you have a question about evaluation that you’d like us to answer? Share it below! 🤓

You can also register to join us live, or send your questions to info@youthrex.com. 💻

[Nathalie]

Contributing to centering black youth and raising awareness about black racism specifically requires a collective of individuals, communities, and institutional bodies to be actively engaged in the work that is to be done for positive change. I believe more inclusive spaces should be made available for such underrepresented groups, to allow for a sense of inclusivity and empowerment, as well as a space to have voices and stories heard. Educating others is another crucial piece of this, in providing historical knowledge, information, and overall awareness to the cultural and social issues that have been persistent over the years. With this, others will be able to relay such information and offer reliable sources to help increase awareness and a better understanding of the many experiences and struggles faced. With this, we can represent, empower, and advocate for these individuals by continuing to provide resources, support, and guidance. The voices, experiences and perspectives of black youth should be the face of these conversations and content generated by involving and highlighting any achievements, challenges and contributions of black individuals and communities. Ongoing and active empowerment, advocacy, and collaboration towards racial justice and equality through anti-racist initiatives, sharing stories of resilience, and encouraging others to take action against racism in their own communities can amplify all efforts in contributing to a collective movement for change.

[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.

[Nathalie]

It is crucial to note that racism has been a complex issue influenced by various factors over the years, including historical, social, and systemic elements. While progress has been made in addressing racism, its persistence can be attributed for several reasons. Historical legacies that we are made aware of have contributed to the perpetuation of racial inequalities. These legacies have then shaped societal structures and attitudes, leading to systemic discrimination against black individuals. Unconscious biases and stereotypes also continue to influence perceptions and treatment of black people. These biases manifest into various settings, such as education, employment, housing, and criminal justice systems, leading to ongoing disparities and unequal opportunities. Lack of awareness and understanding about the experiences and contributions of black communities contribute to the perpetuation of stereotypes and discrimination. Education and awareness initiatives are crucial in challenging these biases and promoting inclusivity for all. However, addressing racism requires ongoing and collective efforts from individuals, communities, institutions, and governments. It involves implementing policies and practices that promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, as well as actively challenging discriminatory behaviors and attitudes. It is important to recognize that progress is being made in combating anti-black racism in Ontario, but there is still a lot of work to be done to achieve a more equitable and inclusive society overall.

[Mourer]

By using the Conclusions reached by interpreting the Evaluation of previous iterations of the programs and applying them on newer iterations and then evaluating what those changes did or didn’t do.

[Mourer]

Clear and direct language and communication, having a diversity methods of explanation and evaluation, having a clear and non-judgemental option to not participate in the evaluation.