Member Yushu
MemberForum Replies Created
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I think we should conduct some research using a variety of different methods such as qualitative and quantitative research, focus groups, and community-based research. This will help create a better understanding about Black youths and their families’ experiences and perspectives on the issues and challenges that they face in today’s society. As Rahma mentioned in her lecture in Module 2, “We must allocate greater resources and support to these communities.”
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There is incredibly important research being done (past, present, and continuously) by Black scholars, researchers, students, and community members. Drawing on this research can be part of anti-racism work, for instance, if needing evidence for those in doubt about or not understanding the extensive impacts of anti-Black racism. – RS
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Thank you for all the thoughtful responses here. Black youth, families, community members must be the leaders of all parts of this process and be well compensated for their time and expertise, and have the programs and services developed be fully and continually funded. -RS
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Within my organization, we need to develop ways to safely and meaningfully uplift the voices and experiences of black youth. This will require thought, planning, engaging with the community, and identifying how we can move beyond a tokenistic approach to inclusion to a more meaningful way to capture the lived experience of black youth. This will require buy-in from front line staff and leadership, with a focus on how we can move towards more meaningful outcomes rather than just checking a box to say that feedback was gathered or that the community was consulted.
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One simple thing I can do in my organization is present management with a recommendation to include ABR training for all new and current staff, as well as commit to an action plan to implement ABR principles into our work. I also want to focus on what I can do as an individual to better support black youth and families. For this, the concept of critical self reflection really stuck with me. Taking the time to reflect on experiences, hold myself accountable, and identify any biases that arise. This will take active work, ongoing education, and taking the time to listen to and learn from the black youth, families, colleagues, mentors, and friends in my life. As a part of this, I want to challenge myself to lean into the discomfort that comes up when reflecting, as this is where I feel true growth will happen.
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I believe that one simple thing we can do to center Black youth wellbeing in the workplace is to listen closely, self reflect, continue to advocate for Black youth wellbeing, and continue the conversation.
I believe that our agency would benefit from Black led mandatory trainings/ education that center Black youth.
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Thank you for your discussion post, Joshua.
I echo your point. The places I have practiced would greatly benefit from additional workshops and trainings including and similar to these offered through YouthREX.
Imagine if more of our white colleagues took or had taken this Centering Black Youth Wellbeing Certificate on Combating Anti-Black Racism, and how this learning could positive impact their approaches to their work. – RS
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I believe that moving toward programs and services where Black youth are not experiencing anti- Black racism, would include reassessing the understanding of “power and opportunity,” within agencies.
Representation Matters
Healthy Black representation would be present at every level of the agency. Healthy Black representation would be supported by the broader agency and an intricate part of leading the overall direction. It would be essential that this happen without the expectation of Western assimilation, and without being labeled a “Black organization” due to the presence of Black leadership. Additionally, Black youth/ individuals would be meaningfully credited and compensated for their contributions, as appose to being expected to provide free consultation work.
Furthermore, Black centered supports and programs that include credible academic and business advancement opportunities, as well as quality mentorship for success would be made available, and effectively/ appropriately communicated.
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The most simple and important thing that we can do as community frontline workers is to engage with various types of research including quantitative and especially qualitative which allows us to foster a lens of unique experience and narrative which may impact our work or interactions with Black community members. A very simple interaction could turn an individual away from feeling comfortable with, heard or included by, a resource due to a naïve or undereducated approach. Interactions with research allows us to identify what is functional and productive versus harmful in invisible or unrecognized ways. Quantitative data helps to identify the true values of actionable approaches, policy changes, and shifts in (or better-yet and hopefully reductions in) systemic racism. The raw data allows us to both identify functional programming, such as proactive youth involvement, community connections, police training and education surrounding institutionalized racism in the criminal justice system; and to identify harmful behaviours such as persistent institutionalized racism in the criminal justice system, arbitrary use of force, overrepresentation, and much more. There are a plethora of productive ways to utilize the research conducted that, as spoken on in the lectures, allows functional response to and advocacy for change on behalf of and with Black communities.
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The forefront of inclusive and pro-active programming is funding and equitable access. Pathways must be drawn with the consideration of barriers to accessing these programs including poverty, transportation, and overall accessibility. Furthermore, program development should be addressed with an all-encompassing lens allowing broader contributions in activity, art, education, and other forefronts of programming; to be inclusive of different narratives, histories, perspectives, approaches, and skillsets instead of focusing on program material which is white-washed and westernized. Proactive programming would be engaging, available, inclusive, and considerate of its desired consumer.
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I believe that healthy Black representation at every level including research teams and governance boards is essential to truly experience change. This has the power to inform and engage useful dialog and also explores what meaningful steps forward can look like. We know that exploring the impacts of anti black racism is incredibly important and must continue. I believe that in addition to this, the continued exploration of meaningful and tangible next steps is essential. We as Black individuals are more than a statistic.
The more we appropriately validate ones lived experiences and resilience, is the more we create space for healing and the recognition that we do not need permission to know that we have a strong lineage, a sure hope, and a bright future.
Love well.
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I truly value and love all the previous responses in this thread! I believe anti-black racism (ABR) still exists in Canada for multiple reasons, however one of the most impactful reasons that strikes me is that there is a lack of willingness to acknowledge the ways ABR is systemic in it’s roots and the ways it is continually perpetuated. As we learned and should now know, ABR is so deeply embedded into almost every facet of our institutions starting from the top down. I truly believe that in order to combat ABR we have to look at it from a system focus, and doing that would require us to dismantle and rebuild a lot of these systems which are meant to elevate whiteness thus degrading blackness. Education is important, shifting thinking and mindsets are important and are amazing steps in terms of building awareness and recognition, but the hard truth is that these things alone will never eliminate ABR from our society when there are literal societal structures that through there inherent operation will continue to perpetuate anti-blackness. Our justice / youth justice systems, social assistance systems, educational systems, health systems, and more are anti-black at their core- they are not made to advance and/or be in the best interest of blackness. And so while we can do things like shift organizational/systemic thinking and promote education, at the end of the day as long as these systems continue to operate with the same goals and intended purposes, ABR will continue to be perpetuated. It’s time for a wake up call that truly we have to dismantle our systems piece by piece in order to rebuild. Instead of “fighting the power” maybe it’s time to “recircuit the power” instead?
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Thank you for your addition to the discussion, Aija. Greatly appreciated your thoughtful response. Another fundamental component to add, in thinking about Dr. Shah’s important lecture, is how white supremacy and whiteness operate, maintain, and intensify anti-Black racism. -RS
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I agree that engagement of Black youth and their families is crucial to moving toward building informed and relevant pathways and services to meet their needs, however, when seeking to engage it is important to meet them where they are. In an effort to engage and gain perspectives, we (agencies/organizations) invite youth and families to take part in a predetermined focus group, or feedback session, often at our own sites. My suggestion would be to ask Black youth and their families to inform the how/where/when; so that they may feel heard and show us what feels safe for them. Once the information has been gathered; invite the youth and families in on the process of creating and establishing those processes. I believe it is also important to have Black youth and their families as part of the oversight body which follows the planned strategies and services through implementation, evaluation and check/adjust phases. This would help ensure agency/organization/community partner follow through and accountability.
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Student engagement from Black youth is crucial in working towards identifying the services needs and gaps Black youth face. Engagement with Black youth, families, and workers in community mental health and beyond are important. If the pathways, services, and gaps are not culturally responsive, they will not meet the needs of Black youth, and therefore addressing the gaps and needs will be ineffective if Black youth are not actively participating in the programs that were designed. Community/student engagement also strengthens and builds more connections and relationships, trust, and inclusivity. Having Black youth and/or workers lead the development of of program design and implementation also provides a space for empowerment.
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I think part of it has to do with the people of Ontario’s (and probably a majority of Canada) lack of knowledge in Canada’s history regarding black lives. The lecture on Canada’s history when it comes to slavery, racism, etc., was very informative and a lot of the information was new to me! I think this type of history (along with our history regarding Indigenous peoples), goes against what Canada now ‘stands for’ and to look back at the not so nice parts of our history would contradict today’s image that we portray. This area of Canada’s history should be taught in schools, people should be aware of what we were complicit in and what we did. It’s important for people to see the growth from how dishonorable people were to black people to where we are now (which is better, but still nowhere near perfect in terms of racism, discrimination, etc.). Alongside, I think that those who are privileged and in power assume that their allyship through a screen is enough. I by no means am saying that retweets, likes, shares, posts, etc., are not important and do not work (they do), but for those in positions of power, they need to do more. They need to actively advocate and not be passive.
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I think part of it has to do with the people of Ontario’s (and probably a majority of Canada) lack of knowledge in Canada’s history regarding black lives. The lecture on Canada’s history when it comes to slavery, racism, etc., was very informative and a lot of the information was new to me! I think this type of history (along with our history regarding Indigenous peoples), goes against what Canada now ‘stands for’ and to look back at the not so nice parts of our history would contradict today’s image that we portray. This area of Canada’s history should be taught in schools, people should be aware of what we were complicit in and what we did. It’s important for people to see the growth from how dishonorable people were to black people to where we are now (which is better, but still nowhere near perfect in terms of racism, discrimination, etc.). Alongside, I think that those who are privileged and in power assume that their allyship through a screen is enough. I by no means am saying that retweets, likes, shares, posts, etc., are not important and do not work (they do), but for those in positions of power, they need to do more. They need to actively advocate and not be passive.
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A key part of the persistence of Anti-Black Racism in Ontario is as discussed within the lectures; passive quietness disguised by politeness. Voices in the United States are active, loud, and seen; though, voices in Canada tend to keep issues quiet and silenced, band-aided by promises of change and false directive. Furthermore, I fear too many in positions of privilege believe that ally-ship follows the same path of passivity and silent soldiering rather than active advocacy. Strength in voices seeks representation, requires education, perpetuates change rather than seeking it through hashtags, likes, retweets and online stories; while we are encouraging story-sharing, we are not fighting for it, we are hiding behind screens and unwilling to stand.
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The most simple and forward looking thing that we can do as an organization is continue to educate ourselves on the experiences of Black youth and consult our youth on the most effective and culturally considerate approaches to our facilitation, programming, and work. It is most important to me to consider the lived experiences of the youth we interact with when conducting programming to ensure that they are heard, understood, and redirected to resources that will assist them in avoiding future criminal activity. It is difficult to meet youth who’s actions are a result of systemic barriers, racism, discrimination, and other intersections of marginalization or vulnerability; responses of fear and to the actions of their peers who are not being penalized for their racist remarks or blatant threats of violence given their privilege. The simplest thing I can provide my youth is a willingness to learn, see, hear, and advocate.
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In an effort to move beyond identifying the service needs and gaps Black youth face, it is crucial to seek out and listen to the voices of black children, youth and families, and ensure practitioners are educated in fostering pathways to inclusion in youth services. It is important to ensure that services are culturally responsive and designed to meet the mental health needs of Black youth. Practitioners learning should begin at the onset of the academic pursuits and continue throughout their career in order to effectively respond to the mental health needs of Black youth, and to actively participate in identifying and addressing needs and gaps.
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I have been to art galleries and other Arts-related events around the globe and have learned that the Arts can be more than pretty pictures and songs. Many times, the Arts communicate mental healing and political events. Therefore, I think that using the Arts is a great way to engage Black youth. Providing opportunities (as done throughout the YouthRex course that I just took) for youth to speak through the Visual Arts, literature, plays, and music. We could provide topics such as current events, famous leaders, historical events, or grief to help guide the discussion around the Art event. However, an even better idea would be for the youth to come up with a topic and let them create to communicate.
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By the way, if anyone needs someone to participate as a professional in a research study, feel free to contact me.
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Based on my professional experience, I think that providing definitions and education regarding any professional and agency-related terms used in an Evaluation process is important. Sometimes, we use terms that are jargon that are not known by the general public. The other thing is that there are a lot of terms misused by the public. I also think that defining terms used with youth helps to educate the youth. The latter also may allow for buy-in to the process.
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By drawing on research finding through case studies, qualitative studies and literature reviews, we can effectively learn from the perspectives of black youth as learn more about how harmful anti-black racism is. This also continues the focus on advocating for systemic change and culturally informed supports to address the challenges these youth face.
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I think community engagement is a key aspect of designing pathways to inclusion. Directly engaging with youth and their communities, to continue to build last connections and relationships. Additionally, providing the space to empower youth to actively participate in leadership roles, and program design/implementation.
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One simple thing I could do is actively listen to the stories, experiences and perspectives of black youth I support. It is crucial that their voices are included in decision making processes to ensure the their needs are being met, and are reflected in the services I provide.
Similarly, my organization can continue to amply the voices of black youth, and include them the decision making process they have as an organization, when it comes to providing supports and services.
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This module has perhaps been the most intriguing of them all. I have been spending most of my time in this certificate sitting in discomfort thinking, “I can acknowledge my privilege and my biases, I can acknowledge that racism very much exists in Canada still, but what can I, as one person, tangibly do?” It is true that my privilege, as a white person, is what allows me to even be able to ask that question. To have the possibility of saying “there is nothing I can do.” The most eye-opening theme of this module was that it is not enough to be aware. You need to take action. As a teacher in Ontario’s education system, here is what I can do.
1) The most simple thing that I can do is to perform some critical self-reflection before and after my interactions with Black youth in my classroom and their families. What biases or assumptions am I making? Am I considering the perspective of the people I am serving? Am I considering what privileges I have in this conversation and how they might be harmful? Am I willing to admit when and if I am/was wrong?
2) When Black youth comes to be as a trusted adult and tells me about any form of micro-aggression or otherwise that they have experienced at school I need to take it very seriously. I need to show this student that I truly am an ally, that it will not be tolerated, and that they are believed.
3) I can advocate in my organization to do the one simple thing that I think they can do. Make this certification mandatory. I came across this certificate in a singular email sent out by my school board. It was optional. It could have easily been hidden amongst the hundreds of others that we receive in a week. There were no reminders that it existed. There are no barriers to enrolling in this certification and learning, it was free. I am so glad that I decided to learn, because I have learned a LOT. However, I do think that the people who might decide that this certification is not for them, are the ones that may need it the most. Our privilege as a mostly white staff allows us the choice whether or not we want to engage in this work or learn from this course. We should be checking that privilege at the door. I wish that everyone would choose to enroll, but the reality is that they won’t. We should not have a choice.
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One simple thing that my organization can do to center Black youth well being in our work is to sit with them and discuss what their needs actually are, in a way that is action-focused and allows them to collaborate in the process of the organization becoming more inclusive. I work in education, and some students founded a collective for racialized students, and I have always been curious about the kind of funding they need. For example, do they want a paid coordinator whose job is to advise and advocate for them with administration, separate from the equity officer, who is somewhat in charge of everyone on campus. I want students to feel safe and like they will be heard if they bring their concerns and experiences to the administration and find a way for these to be communicated to us so that we can act on them.
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As mentioned in another post, I think the best way to ensure we are moving past identifying gaps and actively designing programs that centre and celebrate Black youth, we must ensure Black youth are integral in designing the programs. At the organization I work for, this would look like hiring Black youth to design and implement the programs we run. We can also uplift Black culture throughout the programs by supporting Black owned businesses for gifts, etc.
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This is a GREAT point! I was thinking the same thing (within a different context) earlier in my lecture actually. At school, earlier this year, one of my students experienced a racist comment from another student. I called their parents and explained how seriously we took it and how it would not be tolerated and how we would like to deal with the issue. I was essentially informing this Black youth’s parents. What I didn’t take into account is their lived experience with racism, nor how they would have liked the situation handled. Obviously, they can’t ultimately decide the final consequence that the other student faced (neither can I, for what it’s worth – that’s an administration thing), but I could have asked for their thoughts or opinions and their feelings around the issue and then advocated for them/presented them to my superior. This is what I will do when and if there is another incident of this nature.