Virtual Café by YouthREX | Samantha Lewis | Activity

Samantha 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

Thu, 15 May 2025 00:22:54 -0400

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?

One Simple Thing I am committing to is to actively seek out information and understanding of issues facing Black youth and communities specific to where I live and work. Living in predominantly white areas for most of my life, I have always felt removed from Black community building both personally and from a social justice work perspective.…

Samantha replied to the discussion Let’s dream and envision programs and services where Black youth are not experiencing anti-Black racism. How might we move beyond identifying the service needs and gaps Black youth face, to pro-actively designing pathways to inclusion in the youth sector? in the forum Centering Black Youth Wellbeing

Thu, 15 May 2025 00:01:33 -0400

Reply to Let’s dream and envision programs and services where Black youth are not experiencing anti-Black racism. How might we move beyond identifying the service needs and gaps Black youth face, to pro-actively designing pathways to inclusion in the youth sector?

While I do not work primarily with youth, this broader question of what it would mean to have Black mental health care/services – not just absent of racism, or altered, modified from Eurocentric models but designed for Black people – is something I have always been passionate about but also overwhelmed by. But through this training 2 pathways…

Samantha replied to the discussion How might we draw on research findings to highlight and challenge the impact of anti-Black racism on youth and their families? in the forum Centering Black Youth Wellbeing

Wed, 14 May 2025 23:59:03 -0400

Reply to How might we draw on research findings to highlight and challenge the impact of anti-Black racism on youth and their families?

This question was a bit difficult for me, because despite knowing how important research is and crucial to making effective policy and program change, I also get frustrated when it feels like the push for research in/by the public is only to ‘prove’ that anti-Black racism exists. But I’m glad I was forced to sit with it, because I ended up…

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

Wed, 14 May 2025 23:48:07 -0400

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

In line with much of what has been said in previous comments, I believe the lack of knowledge and understanding of Canada’s history plays a significant role in why anti-Black racism persists today. Despite being interested in social justice issues and reading about Transatlantic slavery from a relatively young age, it wasn’t until my Masters –…