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December 2024

December, 2024

Table of Contents
      1. Greetings from the Project Director
      2. SSHRC Partnership Grant Overview
      3. Our Mandate: Transforming Black Lives
      4. Research Team: Meet Our Experts
      5. Acknowledgments: Partners and Sponsors
      6. Upcoming Events and Engagement Opportunities
      7. Testimonials: Voices of the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program
      8. Creative Spotlight: “You Should See Me in a Crown” by Blossom Komolafe
      9. Connect with Us!

1. Greetings from Dr. Oluwabukola Salami, Project Director

Welcome to our newsletter!

I am thrilled to share the progress of our Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada project, which aims to transform the lives of Black children and youth in Canada. Over the past six months, we have established governance structures, developed policies, and launched the Black Youth Mentorship Program, where I, alongside Dr. Aloysius Maduforo, mentored students through a comprehensive scoping review that identified over 270 relevant research articles.

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2. SSHRC Partnership Grant Overview

We are excited to announce our recent acquisition of a $2.5 million SSHRC Partnership Grant for the project Transforming the Lives of Black Children and Youth in Canada. The SSHRC grant will support our ambitious goals to comprehensively address the systemic issues impacting Black children and youth in Canada, particularly within the realms of child welfare, immigration, justice, education, and health systems. This also includes the development of interdisciplinary networks, community capacity-building initiatives, and the creation of evidence-based policies designed to ensure that all Black children in Canada achieve optimal well-being.

Read more

3. Our Mandate: Transforming Black Lives

Our mission is to co-create knowledge and solutions that tackle the systemic challenges faced by Black children and youth. We envision a society where they are empowered, have equal opportunities, and are free from barriers that hold them back. We are guided by our core values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and community empowerment. By prioritizing participatory approaches, we ensure that the voices of Black children, youth, and their communities are at the forefront of our work.

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3. Research Team: Meet Our Experts

Our dedicated research team consists of experienced professionals and scholars, including researchers, community leaders, educators, and advocates focused on addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by Black children and youth in Canada. Our collaborative efforts leverage critical race theory and intersectionality to inform our research and interventions.

Meet our Team
4. Acknowledgments: Partners and Sponsors

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners and sponsors who have supported our mission. Learn more about our collaborators, their contributions, and how they support our mission.

Learn more

5. Upcoming Events and Engagement Opportunities

  • Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership  Program (Summer 2025)
    BYMLP continues to engage high school and undergraduate students in mentorship activities that provide practical research experience.
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  • Black Child and Youth Wellness: Summer Institute (May 5-7, 2025)
    Our annual Summer Institute is designed for graduate students and early career researchers, focusing on skill-building and collaboration. This three-day event will cover essential topics such as patient engagement, grant writing, research methodologies, data analysis, and knowledge mobilization.
Read more
  • Black Child and Youth Wellness: Annual Conference (May 8-9, 2025)
    Following the Summer Institute, we will host our annual conference in Calgary focused on Black child’s health and wellness. This 1.5-day event will serve as a platform for sharing research findings and fostering discussions among stakeholders, including policymakers, service providers, and community leaders.
Read more

Testimonials: Voices of the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program (BYMLP)

Prosper Komolafe, Undergraduate Research Assistant
“I deserve to be here,” I whispered to myself as I stepped into the Cal Wenzel Precision Health building for my first day as a research assistant.

Semilore Olafare, Summer Research Assistant
“Transitioning from theory to real-world research has been rewarding beyond measure, reinforcing my confidence to tackle challenges and contribute to impactful change.”

Temitope Ogunleye, Undergraduate Research Assistant
“BARE reignited my passion for mental health advocacy in the Black community, empowering me with purpose and a renewed vision for my career in psychiatry.

Explore more testimonials

Each year, BYMLP grows its network and inspires more individuals to dream bigger, aim higher, and support each other. To hear more stories and learn about the journey of other BYMLP participants, click the link below.

Read more

CREATIVE SPOTLIGHTS

‘You Should See Me in a Crown’

by Blossom Komolafe

In this edition of the newsletter, we are proud to showcase a poem written by one of our Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program participants, Blossom Komolafe. Her poem reflects the unique challenges Black women face regarding their natural hair and the beauty that lies in embracing one’s true self.

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Connect with Us!

We invite you to engage with our content, share your stories, and contribute to our mission.

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    © 2025 Transforming Black Lives
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    Greetings from Project Director

    Our mission is clear: to transform the lives of Black children and ensure they thrive, achieving their fullest potential in a world free from the constraints of anti-Black racism.

    Dr. Bukola Salami, PhD, Canada Research Chair in Black and Racialized People’s Health

    Welcome to our newsletter.

    I am thrilled to share the progress of our Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada project seeks to transform the lives of Black children and youth in Canada by addressing the unique needs of this population within the child welfare, immigration, justice, education, and health systems. In the first six months of the project, our activities included setting up the project, establishing governance structures, developing policies, and hiring highly qualified professionals. Additionally, we delivered a Black Youth Mentorship Program for high school and undergraduate students. Over the summer, I had the privilege, along with our research manager, Dr. Aloysius Maduforo, to mentor undergraduate and graduate students as they completed a scoping review of the literature. We conducted weekly two-hour workshops covering diverse topics related to research and career planning. Our search yielded over 270 research articles focused exclusively on Black children and youth in Canada. We are now in the process of analyzing this data.

    We are also actively engaging diverse stakeholders and holding meetings with team members to develop projects that will positively impact Black children and youth in Canada. Our executive committee has been meeting monthly to guide all stages of the research project, and we have held numerous meetings with various committees to ensure comprehensive input.

    My motivation for this project is simple yet bold: to transform the lives of Black children and ensure that every Black child in Canada can achieve their highest potential and well-being. I believe early engagement with diverse stakeholders is essential to achieving the maximum impact. As this project is one of the largest Tri-Council grants focused on the Black population in Canada, we are positioning it to build capacity—including that of early-career researchers—so we can have a sustainable impact on our communities. To accomplish this, we are creating a training environment to nurture the next generation of leaders in the Black community. Alongside delivering the Black Youth Mentorship Program and providing research opportunities for graduate students and early-career researchers, we are establishing a summer institute for these groups. The summer institute will be held from May 5 to 7, with a subsequent conference on May 8 and 9 in Calgary.

    Achieving a sustainable impact that eliminates historical and contemporary anti-Black racism—as well as other intersecting inequities faced by Black children, youth, families, and communities—is at the core of our mission.

    We are just beginning, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish five years from now.

    SSHRC Partnership Grant: A Brief Overview

    Canada’s Black population reached approximately 1.5 million in 2020, and over one-quarter (26.6%) are children under 15 years of age. Despite their growing numbers, Black children and youths face unique challenges compared to their non-Black peers, including higher rates of poverty, exposure to gun violence, poor health outcomes, and low educational attainment. Additionally, they are disproportionately represented within the criminal justice and child welfare systems, which further underscores systemic barriers within Canadian society. A recent United Nations (UN) report calls for data-driven, community-participatory approaches to address these disparities and improve outcomes across various domains. In response, our interdisciplinary team received a $2.5 million SSHRC Partnership Grant to support a national research network focused on transforming the lives of Black children and youths across Canada.

    The SSHRC grant will support the team’s ambitious goals to comprehensively address the systemic issues impacting Black children and youth in Canada, particularly within the realms of child welfare, immigration, justice, education, and health systems. This also includes the development of interdisciplinary networks, community capacity-building initiatives, and the creation of evidence-based policies designed to ensure that all Black children in Canada achieve optimal well-being.

    Transforming Black Lives: The Mandate

    Our Mission and Vision

    Our mission is to co-create knowledge and solutions that tackle the systemic challenges faced by Black children and youth. We envision a society where they are empowered, have equal opportunities, and are free from barriers that hold them back.

    As Canada’s Black population grows—reaching 1.5 million in 2020, with over 26% being children under 15—our focus is more critical than ever. Black children and youth face challenges such as poverty, gun violence, poor health, and low educational outcomes, and they are overrepresented in the criminal justice and child welfare systems. We aim to:

    • Develop solutions to improve outcomes for Black children and youth.
    • Create an interdisciplinary, bilingual hub connecting researchers, policymakers, and service providers to mobilize evidence and support well-being.
    • Provide training for students and postdoctoral researchers, including Black youth, to ease their transition into academic and professional settings.

    Our Approach
    Our mixed methods approach includes surveys, interviews, and innovative projects that blend arts and technology. We will produce a range of resources, including policy briefs, workshops, and mentorship programs, aimed at building capacity within Black communities.

    Together, we are committed to driving change and fostering a brighter future for Black children and youth across Canada.

    Participatory Action Research

    At the core of our work is the participatory action research approach, which centers on collaboration and co-creation with Black communities. Instead of conducting research on Black people, we emphasize research with Black people—empowering communities as equal partners in addressing issues related to child and youth wellness.

    Key Features:

    • Engage stakeholders such as policymakers, service providers, and community leaders to bring invaluable perspectives.
    • Employ a strengths-based model to contribute to solutions promoting the well-being of Black children and youth.

    Advisory Committees

    We are forming a 10-member advisory committee composed of bilingual parents and youth, alongside a conference scientific committee. Both committees will meet 3 times a year to provide guidance and ensure that all project phases align with community priorities.

    Stakeholder Committee

    Our Stakeholder Committee is a collaborative effort uniting community members, policymakers, educators, and researchers to address the unique challenges facing Black children, youth, and families in Canada.

    • This committee will meet twice a year to guide our research and co-create impactful solutions through feedback and active engagement.

    Their input will inform the development of a Black Child and Youth Wellness Strategy, setting long-term goals for research and community action.

    Stay tuned for updates on our initiatives and ways you can get involved!

    Upcoming Events and Engagement Opportunities

    Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program (BYMLP) 2025

    Our vision is one of collective empowerment, where Black children and youth benefit from inclusive research and strengthened community partnerships. Each event invites you to participate, share, and engage in meaningful conversations that advance the well-being of Black youth.

    The Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program invites high school and undergraduate students to participate in mentorship activities designed to provide hands-on research experience and connect with community leaders and researchers during the summer of 2025.

    Program Highlights:

    • Gain practical skills in research and leadership.
    • Contribute meaningfully to community initiatives.
    • Explore new interests in an inclusive environment.

    Participants will develop pathways for future academic and professional success, taking ownership of their potential as future scholars and leaders.

    High School Mentee Testimonial: Burhan Hassan

    “When you grow up as a Black individual, people often view you differently. For me, it was mainly teachers who made assumptions about what I could or couldn’t do. But this program helped me realize that I could do a lot.”

    Upcoming Events and Engagement Opportunities

    Black Child and Youth Wellness: Summer Institute 2025

    Dates: May 5–7, 2025
    Location: Calgary, Alberta

    The Summer Institute is a three-day, in-person event tailored for graduate students and early-career researchers focused on Black child and youth wellness. This immersive experience emphasizes skill-building and professional development in a collaborative atmosphere.

    Key Topics Include:

    • Community Engagement and writing for publication.
    • Grant writing and research Methodologies
    • Data Analysis and Knowledge Mobilization
    • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Research

    Benefits of Attending:

    • Network with top researchers and community leaders.
    • All costs are covered for selected trainees, ensuring accessibility across Canada.
    • Access to hands-on workshops, pre-event readings, and follow-up resources to deepen your learning experience.

    This institute aims to bridge gaps in academic representation and foster equitable spaces for aspiring researchers dedicated to Black child and youth wellness.

    Upcoming Events and Engagement Opportunities

    Black Child and Youth Wellness: Annual Conference 2025

    Dates: May 8–9, 2025
    Location: Calgary, Alberta

    Following the Summer Institute, the annual Conference will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders—policymakers, service providers, researchers, and community leaders—committed to the health and wellness of Black children and youth.

    Conference Highlights:

    • Research Presentations: Featuring work from Black child and youth wellness researchers, BYMLP team members, and participants.
    • Community-Driven Discussions: Sessions led by youth, parents, and community leaders focused on strategies and solutions for wellness.

    The conference will serve as a knowledge exchange platform, emphasizing inclusivity and collective priority-setting. Outcomes will contribute to a publication on Black child wellbeing, supporting future studies and initiatives.

    Stakeholder Engagement Day

    In addition to our institute and conference, we invite you to join our Stakeholder Engagement Day, a half-day, hybrid event aimed at gathering input from a diverse array of voices, including Black youth, parents, policymakers, and community leaders.

    Event Features:

    • Breakout focus group discussions.
    • Collaborative use of the Delphi approach to establish national research priorities.

    Meet Our Interdisciplinary Team

    Under the leadership of Professor Bukola Salami, our expert team is dedicated to addressing the needs of Black child and youth wellness:

    • Dr. Shirley Anne Tate: EDI expert and mentor for early-career researchers.
    • Dr. Lance McCready: Specialist in the health and well-being of Black men, boys, and queer youth.
    • Jeanne Lehman: Community engagement leader and advocate for Black Canadian women.
    • Dr. Malinda Smith: Advisor on EDI considerations for logistics and planning.
    • Dr. Delores Mullings, Dr. Nicole Johnson, and Dr. Tya Collins: Experts in Black children’s health and educational experiences.

    Testimonials: Voices of the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program (BYMLP)

    Undergraduate Mentees Edition

    Through the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program (BYMLP), high school and undergraduate students across Canada have found opportunities for growth, leadership, and community engagement. These testimonials capture personal journeys and the impact BYMLP has had on participants, mentors, and community members. Each story is a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of building a supportive community for Black youth.

    Amarachi Onah, Summer Research Assistant

    Throughout the summer, my involvement with the Undergraduate Mentorship Program has been both inspiring and transformative. Working under the guidance of Dr. Aloysius Maduforo and alongside a dedicated team, I focused on a project that aims to explore and uplift the experiences of Black youth across Canada. This research, initiated by Dr. Bukola Salami, underscores a vital commitment to understanding the well-being of Black youth—a mission that resonates deeply with me.

    My journey with Dr. Salami began in the summer of 2022 when I participated in the Black Youth Mentorship Program. That experience marked my first professional role and gave me invaluable insights into a workplace environment, introducing me to mentors who became pillars of inspiration. When I learned Dr. Salami was recruiting students for this project, I leapt at the chance to learn from her once more, knowing the skills I would gain could be instrumental in my academic and career journey.

    This summer, I not only built on my research capabilities but also strengthened my teamwork skills. Weekly workshops have been a cornerstone of this experience, featuring guest speakers who share tools and insights that are not only relevant to our research but essential for navigating academia. These sessions have added incredible value to my experience, despite my remote status, and have fostered a sense of unity with the team, despite our physical distances.

    The dedication of this team has fueled my drive to contribute meaningfully, and each article I read has deepened my understanding of the experiences of Black youth in Canada. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and look forward to applying these insights as I continue my journey in the sciences, aiming for graduate studies and beyond.

    Adedeji Williams, Summer Research Assistant

    Walking into the University of Calgary’s O’Brien Institute for Public Health for the first time, I felt both excitement and trepidation. The environment exuded a level of prestige that was both inspiring and intimidating. Yet, as time passed, I grew more comfortable, realizing that this experience—working on the “Transforming the Lives of Black Youth” project—would be instrumental in building my confidence and professional skills.

    For a high school student, professional environments are rare, making this summer’s opportunity invaluable. It has taught me essential skills in time management and mentorship, which I know will support my transition to post-secondary life. My work on this project involved rigorous planning to accommodate my daily two-hour commute, a challenge that I turned into a productive window. Whether reading or drafting essays during transit, I learned to maximize my time and manage stress—a lesson I will carry forward.

    Mentorship has been another key element of my experience. During a conversation with co-workers Douye, Tope, and Ogechi, I shared an article I was writing on the importance of Black excellence. Their feedback was profoundly affirming, and each of them, embodying excellence and work ethic, has become a role model to me. These connections have shown me the importance of relatable mentors and the positive impact they can have on my ambitions.

    My experience on this project has equipped me with tools that will be invaluable in academia and beyond. I am grateful for the mentors and peers who have guided me and helped me recognize my own potential.

     

    Semilore Olafare, Summer Research Assistant

    Joining the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Undergraduate Program was an easy decision for me. After my enriching experience in the high school version of the program, I knew the undergraduate opportunity would bring similar fulfillment, and it did not disappoint. In 2023, as part of the BYMLP, I developed skills that have proven essential in my university journey, alongside building connections that continue to guide me today.

    One of the most exciting aspects of this summer was engaging directly in research, rather than learning research methods in theory. I had the chance to contribute to a project on health determinants for Black youth in Canada, and completing my first literature review on this topic was deeply rewarding. I felt I was truly contributing to something larger, applying my knowledge in a real-world context.

    Adjusting to a structured work routine after summer break was challenging initially, but the support of my peers helped me overcome it. This program centered on healthcare research, and my tasks were assigned based on my strengths, providing both independence and direction. I also gained practical experience with tools like Covidence for scoping reviews and participated in every research stage, from proposals to initial data gathering.

    Mentorship, both formal and informal, has been a highlight. From my supervisor, Dr. Aloysius, to my peers who had already adapted to university life, I was surrounded by support. These relationships have given me the confidence and mindset needed to thrive, reinforcing the belief that I belong in every opportunity that comes my way.

    Leaving this program, I feel prepared to face new challenges, equipped with skills, confidence, and a network I can lean on. I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone beginning their university journey.

    Temitope Ogunleye, Undergraduate Research Assistant
    Being accepted into the Black and Racial Equity (BARE) program came at a crucial time for me—a time when uncertainty and apathy had begun to overshadow my goals. Although I had developed strong skills as a student and research assistant, I felt my vision of becoming a psychiatrist begin to fade. BARE changed that. This program reignited my passion for both my community and my career, fueling my aspirations with renewed purpose.

    Before this summer, I had proficiency in research and mental health topics, yet BARE provided the crucial spark to integrate these interests with a broader purpose of serving the Black community. This experience has deepened my understanding of mental health’s role within our community and set a foundation for my career in psychiatry.

    This project allowed me to build on my existing skills while being surrounded by mentors and peers who shared my goals and commitment. Each day presented opportunities for growth, and every challenge reaffirmed my desire to serve my community. The program reminded me of the significance of representation and mentorship, and I am now motivated to apply the skills I’ve gained as I continue my academic journey.

    Prosper Komolafe, Undergraduate Research Assistant


    “I deserve to be here,” I whispered to myself as I stepped into the Cal Wenzel Precision Health building for my first day as a research assistant. Months of anticipation had led to this moment, but doubt crept in. Could I balance the demanding rigour of a research position alongside my spring coursework? With a quick breath, I straightened up and stepped forward, and from that moment, my journey began.

    Meeting my mentor, Dr. Aloysius, was transformative. Under his guidance, I learned not only about research but about resilience, confidence, and the value of embracing mistakes as stepping stones. Dr. Aloysius created a space where I could grow without fear, encouraging me to learn deeply and develop the skills I would need in this field. His mentorship was not confined to research alone but extended to what it means to be a compassionate leader and a supportive mentor.

    I was equally inspired by Dr. Salami, my supervisor and the visionary founder of the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program. Dr. Salami embodies excellence and kindness, balancing rigorous research with an unwavering commitment to the community. Her warmth, positivity, and dedication to supporting underrepresented groups inspired me daily and underscored the impact of purpose-driven research.

    Building connections with fellow research assistants was one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience. From high school students with aspirations in medicine to seasoned undergraduates in diverse health-related disciplines, I was part of a vibrant community where learning and support flowed in every direction. We worked together on events and shared knowledge, creating a collaborative environment that strengthened my resolve and sparked lasting friendships.

    As I look to the future, I am excited to apply what I’ve learned to tackle challenges in public health. This journey at CWPH has been more than just a research position—it’s been a pivotal step toward my goal of improving health outcomes for diverse communities.”_

    Ogechi Okafor, Undergraduate Research Assistant


    “Qualitative research doesn’t just capture data; it tells stories, reveals challenges, and, most importantly, sparks change. As a research assistant on the Mental Health Standards for Black Youth project, I wasn’t simply observing data—I was deeply engaged with narratives that illuminated the disparities faced by Black and racialized communities in healthcare. This experience has solidified my career aspirations to advocate for equitable health access and lead with purpose in the medical field.

    Working with the NVIVO software brought a new level of depth to our analysis. I coded transcripts from focus groups, unveiling themes that painted a comprehensive picture of the mental health challenges experienced by Black youth. Literature reviews helped link youth-driven solutions to existing studies, creating a dynamic fusion of real-world insights and grounded evidence. Far from being a routine exercise, this process urged me to think critically about healthcare systems and to imagine pathways toward meaningful change.

    Dr. Salami and Dr. Aloysius were instrumental in fostering an enriching learning environment. They balanced rigor with encouragement, hosting workshops that covered everything from statistical communication to writing for publication. The qualitative analysis session was my favourite, where I learned about thematic analysis, discourse analysis, and other research techniques that I’ll carry with me in my future career.

    Through this program, I have developed skills in collaboration, time management, and scientific communication. I’m especially grateful for the chance to convey my research to team members in accessible language, a skill that will be essential in engaging diverse audiences in the future. Knowing that our research contributes to actionable standards for mental health services fuels my passion to make a difference in healthcare. I hope more students can experience this journey, as I have, and come away with the conviction that they, too, can drive change in the lives of Canadians.”

    QUARTERLY CREATIVE SPOTLIGHT

    You Should See Me in a Crown

    By Blossom Komolafe

    Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program Mentee 2024

    The thick dark coils that grow from my head
    Attract confused stares and awkward glances
    But don’t forget the odd, “Can I touch it?”
    I’m greeted by a barrage of questions:
    “Why is it so big?” people ask,
    As their eyes begin to map out my textured locs,
    As they try their very best to put them in a box.
    “Why didn’t I just wear a hat?” I ask myself,
    So for a long time I allowed my crown to weigh me down.
    From sew-ins to wigs and weaves, I made sure to keep it covered.
    Then I heard: “Why don’t you wear it like this more often?”
    “I’m just trying something new,” I claim,
    When really I’d do anything just to look the same
    As all the other girls,
    Anything to get rid of these stupid little curls.

    But as I grew, I learned the value of my differences.
    Now that I understand that I was made to stand out,
    I allow my crown to glisten like never before.
    I show it off to the world so that no one can ignore my power—
    Power to keep my head high despite the weight of the crown that sits
    Upon my shoulders.
    So now when I’m asked why my hair is so big,
    I speak with incredible pride that spills out from inside, saying:
    A crown any smaller wouldn’t be fit for a queen.

     

    Inspiration: This poem reflects the experiences of Black women with their natural hair, highlighting the beauty in uniqueness and the challenges posed by unwanted opinions.