Member Melinda
MemberForum Replies Created
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In a world where black youth aren’t experiencing anti-black racism it would be imperative that we understand anti-oppressive practices and create an environment where no youth feels inferior based on their race. I believe that would start with creating an equitable environment that allocates the necessary education and wellness resources for each youth based on their needs. The most important step in this process would be listening to youth and allowing their voices to be heard to ensure that their needs are properly understood.
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I think that many well meaning people (myself included) have bought into the idea of multiculturalism without understanding, reflecting or thinking about the ‘monoculture’ aspect. This was new learning for me. Also the Angela Davis quote about it is not enough to be non-racist you must be anti-racist hit me square in the chest. I think I have spent a long time thinking being non-racist, raising my children non-racist and approaching my clients as non-racist was enough and now I know differently.
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Thank you for your comment, this is very powerful and definitely resonates me.
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Excellent points. Thank you for sharing this example of how increased awareness can lead to informed transformation in our personal and professional spaces.
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Awareness and correction. On a surface level, being aware of what messages exist in the school in regards to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in my school, on the walls, in the curriculum, education of Educators and start building towards an inclusive school, where Black students see themselves represented, history acknowledged, accomplishments acknowledged and celebrated.
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As an educational organization, centering the historical and present day contributions of black families to Canadian society could provide many opportunities for student learning and extend the historical context of our country beyond the English and French narrative. My hope would be that this would be taught in all historical conversations (throughout the year-beyond February) so that black youth could learn about their ancestor’s role in Canadian history. Enhancing current curriculum is achievable and could have specific timelines which is necessary for accountability and real change.
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I think that having conversations in supervision about the impacts of racism on the wellbeing of youth and their families, in addition to strategies that support empowerment and acknowledge recognize and build upon resistance to oppression are important aspects of centering black youth wellbeing. To weave oppression, privilege and power dynamics into the fabric of clinical discussions so that talk about youth challenges always in the context of the larger social and political environment. Critical reflexive practice is a key practice for organizations to model and encourage in their staff to center the wellbeing of black youth.
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I love this point, Sandy. Conversations about the impacts of racism are important, but can only really manifest into change when that knowledge is being connected to strategies that support black youth.
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I agree with the youth voice being most important in planning for Black youth. I am new to my current role, but have been learning about a youth led group at one of the high schools. This group is in tune with the current happenings at their school, they are united to call out Anti-Black racism. Our role is to support their group through listening and advocating for change through the use of privilege and power.
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I think for me training staff about the historical underpinnings of oppression will be an important and key area for moving forward together in our journey for learning together. This could mean scheduling trainers to attend or creating presentations for smaller groups, creating a greater sense of awareness is so important in the work we do.
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Thank you for saying this! Throughout the certificate the lectures will address a lot of realities that will illicit different emotions in all of us, and it is important for us to use that information how ever best fit in our own lives and thought processes.
The lectures can be a lot to handle, so everyone please feel free to go through the lectures at a pace that allows for you to have the best experience.
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Hello, one of our high schools in our community have a form of an advisory committee for Black youth, I am interested in learning ways we might be able to creatively incorporate the evaluative process- thanks for the suggestion.
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Yes April, I think it’s important to constantly reflect on these systemic barriers and how we are complicit within the system, while also considering how we can use our power to ensure we are moving towards change.
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I just finished listening and reading the lectures and have so many emotions floating in my head. As I look back at my reflections throughout the modules, I focus on the words I wrote: overwhelmed, necessary, so much more learning to do, what to do first, the importance of self-reflection and ACTION.
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I agree with you Adam. I think the quote- “make visible what is invisible”- is very powerful and a forward movement to ensure working to look and re-look at the ways restrictions have contributed to Anti-Black Racism.
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Anti-Black Racism is still a problem because systemically barriers are still in place. Concepts like meritocracy prevent real change from occurring and further entrench these barriers.
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Anti-Black racism is still a problem in Ontario because it is pervasive in every institution. Canada had revised its history to emphasize multiculturalism and its role in being a safe haven for American slaves.
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I absolutely agree with this – Ontario has utilized revisionist history when discussing it’s role in slavery and systemic racism. If anti-black racism isn’t first acknowledged then it won’t be addressed or changed.
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I first have to remember that in and of myself, I am not enough. Therefore, developing and partnering with Canadian Black communities will definitely be one simple thing I can do to center Black youth wellbeing in my work. As for my organization, accessing specific training and initiating difficult conversations that are currently not happening will also push to center Black youth wellbeing. As was quoted in the Weaponization of Whiteness, “make whiteness familiar so that whiteness becomes strange”!
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For my part I think brining up and moving forward with ideas instead of letting them just remain ideas and languish on the back-burner. My organization has a lot of moving parts and great ideas can easily fall through the cracks due to how buys everyone is. Highlighting them and taking charge of some of this ideas might be the best way to help make sure Black youth wellbeing is being focused on more. Additionally, ensure data is being used and processed so we can learn more about how our services are working is of critical importance. We have a lot of data at our fingertips but we often do not do too much with it. If that can be rectified, I am sure we could get better insight into how to help black youth.
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I will be very mindful and intentional in doing critical reflexive practice at work. I will do my best to ensure that I preserve the voice of my clients as well as be guided by them. I hope to be an active ally everyday in every moment of my life.
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To quote Nene Kwasi Kafele, he referred to an African proverb, “if you think education is expensive, try ignorance”. This reminds me to continually check myself and ally with those who can support efforts individually, collectively and institutionally to dismantle ignorance. I am open for change and willing to challenge the oppression that currently exists in centering black youth wellbeing. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to learn and be apart of something that requires voice, leadership and a strong urgency to have difficult conversations. I believe that these conversations will slowly bring about change and influence our workplace practices, whether they be organizational or political.
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Indeed – personal, organizational and political change is a must and will ultimately benefit everyone.
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Good day all. Super excited to join this cafe! My name is Brad and I am a Child and Youth Worker with the TDSB. To post my first question, I’d like to ask “what are some ways to build partnerships and collaborative efforts with the African Canadian community so that I can improve and enhance my work with our students?
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Thank you for starting off this conversation Brad!
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Introduce yourself and your work! Connect with community members and share opportunities for centering Black youth wellbeing.
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Great point!
I think that the media tends to look at racism as individual instances instead of a systemic problem, so that they can’t be held accountable.
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Combatting internalized oppression is a constant process that needs more acknowledgement. I think that Anti-Black racism is an ideology that influences everyone’s perspective, regardless of good intensions.
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I agree.
For some, there is more far concern for being socially embarrassed rather than being socially just.
