Forming Authentic and Purposeful Relationships with Racialized Communities from an Anti-Oppressive Lens: A Framework for African, Caribbean, and Black Communities
Abstract
In collaboration with London InterCommunity Health Centre this research focused on identifying priority areas for anti-Black racism interventions in London, Ontario. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders from London’s African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities. Interpretive description methodology guided analysis and interpretation. Participants indicated that anti-Black racism is ever-present in the community, with systemic racism leading to the most harm. Racism should be addressed by creating ACB-specific services and education for non-Black communities; and increased representation, inclusion, and engagement of ACB people within organizations, especially leadership. A framework to direct how organizations can develop authentic and purposeful relationships with ACB communities, and how this can be achieved in a “power-with” way, is presented to support the creation of improved and sustainable relationships with racialized communities in London, Ontario and beyond, thus contributing to health equity and social justice.