Thesis Format

Monograph

Forming Authentic and Purposeful Relationships with Racialized Communities from an Anti-Oppressive Lens: A Framework for African, Caribbean, and Black Communities

Jaimeson R. Canie, The University of Western OntarioFollow

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Nursing

Supervisor

Wathen, Claudia N.

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.

Summary for Lay Audience

In partnership with London Intercommunity Health Centre (LIHC), we examined ways to: 1) address anti-Black racism in the community health sector; specifically, strategies for English and French speaking African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) Communities; and 2) form authentic and purposeful relationships with racialized communities. Interviews with leaders from London’s Black communities were conducted to identify current resources, needs, and priorities in terms of anti-Black racism. Findings included the need for interventions that address racism at the systemic level, meaning the racism that is embedded into laws, policies, and organizational practices. Some of the proposed strategies to address anti-Black racism at this level were: the creation of health and social services, as well as education related to these services, that specifically catered to the needs of ACB communities; and increasing the representation, inclusion, and engagement of ACB people within organizations and leadership. A framework was created to support organizations in developing authentic relationships with racialized groups where little or no relationship existed before, with the goal of improved health outcomes for Black citizens via increased accessibility to, and trust in, health and social services.

Recommended Citation

Canie, Jaimeson R., "Forming Authentic and Purposeful Relationships with Racialized Communities from an Anti-Oppressive Lens: A Framework for African, Caribbean, and Black Communities" (2022). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 8924.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/8924