Knowledge Hub for Black Children and Youth in Canada
Purpose: Black people represent a significant portion of the Canadian population. In 2021, 4.3% of the Canadian population—or 1.5 million people—identified as Black, making Black Canadians the third-largest racialized group in the country, following South Asians and Chinese Canadians (Domey & Patsiurko, 2024). According to Statistics Canada, the Black population is growing and is projected to exceed 3 million by 2041 (Statistics Canada, 2022a). Beyond population growth, Black Canadians make immense contributions to the Canadian economy through taxation, business ownership, and employment (Gueye, 2023). Despite these contributions, Black Canadians, including children and youth, face systemic racism and discrimination, which often result in adverse mental health and well-being outcomes (Nadal et al., 2014; Siddiqi et al., 2017; Statistics Canada, 2017). Disparities in educational outcomes, overrepresentation in the child welfare system, disproportionate representation in the criminal justice system, and systemic discrimination in healthcare are common challenges experienced by Black children and youth in Canada (Clarke, 2011; Fallon et al., 2013; Hayle et al., 2016). In response to these experiences, this knowledge hub aims to provide a comprehensive repository of information, resources, and strategies to understand better and address the challenges Black children and youth face in Canada. The hub serves as a knowledge base for driving change, offering vital information and resources to transform the lives of Black children and youth nationwide.
Mission: The mission of this knowledge hub is to centralize and make information and resources such as financial and mentorship programs easily accessible to Black children and youth, Black families, communities, and other stakeholders. It serves as a vital tool for researchers, advocates, and organizations focused on addressing systemic anti-Black racism and enhancing the social, economic, and (mental) health outcomes of Black children and youth in Canada.
Vision: The knowledge hub through its diverse repository of centralized information and resources will empower Black children and youth. The hub will bring together advocacy resources, including equitable policies and practices and interactive content to address challenges facing Black children and youth while highlighting the ongoing biases and prejudices within Canadian institutions. The hub advocates for racial equality and works to influence change across all sectors and levels of Canadian society.
Core Objective: The knowledge hub aims to empower Black children and youth by advocating for equitable policies and practices to address systemic inequities, offering training programs to equip them with academic and career success skills, and mentoring young leaders to assume influential roles. It also seeks to strengthen community networks to foster a sense of identity and belonging while generating knowledge and evidence to enhance the health and well-being of Black children and youth across Canada.
Audience: The knowledge hub is designed to serve Black communities and partners and external users.
Black communities and partners include Black children and youth, Black parents and families, Black communities, educators, mentors, researchers, content developers, trainers, advocacy teams, monitoring and evaluation teams, and internal collaborators.
External users include policymakers and government officials, non-profit and community organizations, educators and academic institutions, healthcare providers and practitioners, media and journalists, the general public, advocacy and social justice groups, private sector organizations, and international organizations.
Content Types: The knowledge hub will offer diverse content to inform, strengthen, and engage the target audience. This will include scholarly papers, data-driven reports, and real-world examples providing a comprehensive view of systemic issues like racial discrimination and disparities in healthcare and learning. It will offer manuals, resource kits, culturally appropriate materials, and educational programs to assist teachers, families, and local groups. Policy summaries will be available for advocacy, while diverse media will present personal narratives, specialist dialogues, and real-time discussions. Motivational content will showcase achievements, honour of African American heritage, and display artistic creations by young black individuals. The hub will list support organizations, financial aid opportunities, guidance programs, and community groups to help Black youth and children access essential services, funding, mentorship, and community networks. Content for awareness and outreach, including current events, social media updates, email bulletins, and development reports, will keep users informed.
Key Focus Areas: The knowledge hub will focus on interrelated crucial themes to provide a thorough grasp of the pervasiveness of systemic racism against Black children and youth in Canada. These themes will offer nuanced insights into how systemic and institutional racism impacts their everyday experiences and prospects for development and achievement.
Prevalence and Drivers of Systemic Racism and Discrimination: This thematic area examines the prevalence and the underlying factors contributing to anti-Black racism and racial discrimination faced by Black children and youth. It explores various historical, political, economic, social, and cultural drivers. This cluster provides insights into the complex and intersecting dynamics that perpetuate anti-Black racism, highlighting the systemic challenges that Black children and youth encounter
Healthcare System: This theme focuses on examining the experiences of Black children and youth within the Canadian healthcare system. It aims to uncover the daily healthcare disparities, including limited access to culturally responsive care and inequitable treatment. Additionally, it explores the mental and physical health consequences resulting from systemic discrimination in healthcare provision, emphasizing how these challenges affect their overall well-being and quality of life.
Educational System: This theme examines the extent to which anti-Black racism is embedded within the Canadian educational system. It explores the educational disparities faced by Black children and youth, including unequal access to opportunities, biased disciplinary practices, and the underrepresentation of Black perspectives in curricula, highlighting how these issues shape their educational experiences and outcomes.
Criminal Justice System: This theme explores the experiences of Black children and youth within the Canadian criminal justice system. It seeks to highlight their disproportionate representation and the broader impacts of discriminatory practices on their lives and communities. The focus is on understanding how these systemic issues contribute to inequities in justice outcomes for Black children and youth.
Child Welfare System: This theme examines the experiences of Black children and youth within the Canadian child welfare system, emphasizing their overrepresentation and the profound impact it has on their lives. It explores how this disproportionate presence contributes to inequities in outcomes for Black children, youth, and their families, including disrupted family structures, limited access to culturally relevant support, and long-term social and emotional consequences.
Employment and Economic Opportunities: This theme examines the work-related challenges faced by Black youth, highlighting obstacles such as institutional racism, biased recruitment processes, and restricted access to professional guidance and career advancement opportunities. It investigates the inequalities in job availability, wage disparities, and workplace fairness, while also considering the broader economic consequences for Black communities.
Migration and Settlement: This theme explores migration and settlement experiences among migrant youth in Canada. It examines the challenges they face during integration, including access to education, employment, social services, and cultural adaptation. Additionally, it considers the broader impact on Black communities and newcomers, highlighting both barriers and opportunities for fostering inclusion and belonging.
Strategies for Change: This theme focuses on actional strategies to address systemic anti-Black racism and its impact on Black children and youth. It explores evidence-based approaches, community-driven initiatives, and policy recommendations to foster equity, inclusion, and empowerment. This theme highlights pathways for positive change and improved outcomes for Black children and youth in Canada.
