Black Youth Empowerment Toolkit
Introduction
This toolkit is designed to empower racialized people experiencing racism in BC. We are providing youth with a safe space to feel heard and to aggregate data across the province. These resources can help them navigate incidents of racism. The BC Community Alliance believes that knowledge is power, and once knowledge of incidents of racism is shared in a safe way, individuals, anti-racist organizations, and school districts will be in a better place to begin to address racism in their communities.
Learn about our collective history and culture, and develop skills to succeed in life. We believe that every Black youth deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and equality, and that investing in their future is critical for building a better and more inclusive society. By using this toolkit, you can gain knowledge, inspiration, and support to thrive and make a positive impact in your community and beyond.
– BCCA Team
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Resources for Mental Health and Wellness
Taking care of your mental health and well-being is critical for living a fulfilling and meaningful life. Here are some resources that can support you in coping with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues:
Mental Health Resources in BC
BC Mental Health Support Line
Provides free, confidential support for mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and crisis support. Available 24/7.
310-6789
Crisis Centre BC
Provides confidential, non-judgmental emotional support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention services. Available 24/7.
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 310-6789
BC Children’s Hospital Mental Health Program
Provides mental health services for children and youth up to the age of 18.
604-875-2345
BC Schizophrenia Society
Provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.
1-888-888-0029
Canadian Mental Health Association BC
Provides resources, education, and support for individuals with mental health concerns.
604-688-3234
Foundry BC
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Mindshift App
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National Mental Health Resources
Canada Suicide Prevention Service
Provides crisis support and suicide prevention services across Canada. Available 24/7.
1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
Kids Help Phone
Provides free, confidential support for children and youth up to the age of 29 for any issue, including mental health concerns. Available 24/7.
1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Provides education, research, and treatment for mental health and addiction issues.
416-535-8501
Mood Disorders Society of Canada
Provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals affected by mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.
1-888-486-8236
The Canadian Mental Health Association
Provides resources, education, and support for individuals with mental health concerns across Canada.
1-866-531-2600
Black Youth Helpline
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Black Mental Health Canada
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The Kettle Friendship Society
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The Black Health Alliance
A non-profit organization that works to improve the health and well-being of Black people in Canada through advocacy, education, and research.
Resources for addressing incidents of racism at school
Incidents of racism can happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. Reporting them can help raise awareness, help hold perpetrators accountable, and prevent them from happening again. Here are some resources that can assist you in reporting incidents of racism in BC:
BC School Racism Tracker
An online reporting and database tool from BC Community Alliance that allows you to report incidents of racism in K-12 schools.
BC Human Rights Tribunal
A quasi-judicial body that investigates and resolves complaints of discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, and other grounds.
Resources for Learning About Black History, Black Futures, Cultural events and organizations
Learning About Black History
Learning about Black history and culture is an essential step in understanding and celebrating the diversity and richness of human experience. Here are some resources that can help you explore your roots, heritage, and identity:
Black History Month
An annual observance in February that highlights the contributions, achievements, and struggles of Black people in Canada and around the world.
Cheikh Anta Diop
Senegalese historian, anthropologist, physicist and politician. Known for his research on the African origins of civilization.
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Chinua Achebe
Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, and critic. Best known for his novel “Things Fall Apart” and for his work as an advocate for African literature.
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Wole Soyinka
Nigerian playwright, poet, and essayist. First African to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.
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John Henrik Clarke
American historian, professor, and writer. Known for his work in African and African-American history.
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Ivan Van Sertima
Guyanese historian, anthropologist, and linguist. Best known for his book “They Came Before Columbus: The African Presence in Ancient America”.
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Asa G. Hilliard III
American professor, psychologist, and historian. Focused on the education of Black children and the importance of African history.
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Ama Mazama
Malian-American scholar of African and African-American Studies. Known for her work in the areas of linguistics and education.
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Marimba Ani
American anthropologist, professor, and writer. Best known for her book “Yurugu: An African-Centered Critique of European Cultural Thought and Behavior”.
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Ivan Van Sertima
Guyanese historian, anthropologist, and linguist. Best known for his book “They Came Before Columbus: The African Presence in Ancient America”.
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Ivan M. Van Sertima
Guyanese-born associate professor of Africana Studies at Rutgers University. He was known for his Afrocentric scholarship discussing the pre-Columbian presence of Africans in the Americas.
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Maulana Karenga
American scholar and activist, known for creating the cultural holiday of Kwanzaa and his work in promoting African-American studies.
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Empowering Black Youth through Art and Culture
Art and culture are important for personal expression and community building. We have compiled a list of resources that focus on African art and music, as well as organizations and events that promote Black culture in British Columbia and beyond.
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
The museum’s website features a collection of African art, as well as online exhibitions, educational resources, and virtual tours.
The African Art Centre
A South African organization that promotes traditional and contemporary African art and craft, with a focus on supporting local artists.
African Arts and Music Festival
An annual festival held in Los Angeles, California that showcases African music, dance, and art.
Afro Van Connect
A community event that brings together Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in Vancouver.
Vancouver African Cultural Festival
A celebration of African music, dance, art, and food held annually in August.
Black History Month
A month-long celebration of Black history and culture held annually in February.
International African Diaspora Film Festival
An annual film festival that showcases films from around the world that explore the African diaspora.
Vancouver Black Film Festival
An annual film festival that showcases films from Black filmmakers and artists from around the world.
Afro Hair & Beauty Expo
An annual event that celebrates natural hair and beauty within the Black community.
Black Strathcona Resurgence Project
A series of events and initiatives aimed at preserving and celebrating the Black history of Vancouver’s Strathcona neighborhood.
Caribana Vancouver
A celebration of Caribbean culture, music, and food held annually in August.
African Descent Festival
A celebration of African culture and heritage held annually in July.
African Fashion & Art Week
An annual event that showcases the work of African fashion designers and artists.
Afropop Worldwide
A radio program and online platform that explores African music and culture, featuring interviews with musicians and cultural figures from across the continent.
African Music Encyclopedia
A comprehensive online encyclopedia of African music, including information on genres, instruments, musicians, and cultural contexts.
The African Music Archive
A collection of African music recordings and materials from the International Library of African Music at Rhodes University in South Africa.
The African Art and Music Project
A non-profit organization that aims to promote African art and music education in schools and communities.
African Artists’ Foundation
A Nigerian organization that supports and promotes contemporary African art, with a focus on photography and video.
African Music Development Program
A Canadian organization that promotes African music and culture through workshops, concerts, and educational programs.
5 articles on self-care for Black youth experiencing incidents of racism
Self-Care Tips for Black Youth Experiencing Racism" by the Black Youth Project
6 Self-Care Practices for Black Youth to Prioritize Their Mental Health
Self-Care for Black Youth: A Practical Guide
5 Self-Care Tips for Black Youth in the Wake of Racial Trauma
The Importance of Self-Care for Black Youth in Times of Trauma
Resources for Skill Development and Career Planning, and legal support
Developing skills and planning for your career can help you achieve your goals, build your confidence, and make a positive impact in your community. Here are some resources that can help you in acquiring new skills and advancing your career:
The Black Business Association
A non-profit organization that supports Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in BC through networking, education, and advocacy.
Ethos Lab
We’re on a mission to build towards a more inclusive future within S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). We empower curious Teens ages 12-18 with S.T.E.A.M-based learning that is irresistibly fun and doesn’t feel like school through dynamic virtual & in-person workshops, camps, and events all year.
The Federation of Black Canadians
The Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) is a national, non-profit organization, driven by Black organizations across the country, that advances the social, economic, political and cultural interests of Canadians of African descent.
Black boys code
We empower young Black youth to take control of their future by providing them with crucial training and tools to help them thrive in a digital world. Our vision is for Black youth to identify the skills and talents they possess so that they can realize their full potential.
The Vancouver School Board District Parent Advisory Council Black and Indigenous Working Group (VSB DPAC BIWG)
A group that advocates for the needs and interests of Black and Indigenous students and families in the Vancouver School District.
Legal Resources in BC
Legal resources can be important when dealing with discrimination and other issues. We have compiled a list of legal resources in British Columbia, including organizations and services that offer legal support to Black communities.
BC Human Rights Tribunal
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Legal Services Society of BC
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BC Public Interest Advocacy Centre
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Pivot Legal Society
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Black Legal Action Centre
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Community Legal Assistance Society
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Legal Services Society
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BC Human Rights Clinic
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