Racism is when negative attitudes and actions (e.g. prejudiced beliefs, stereotypes, discrimination, etc.) are aimed at people based on race, ethnicity and / or culture. Anti-Black racism is when negative attitudes and actions are directed specifically at Black communities. Anti-Black racism negatively affects Black people’s mental health, physical health, opportunities, safety and more.
Because of the historical and ongoing individual and systemic racism experienced by folks who are African, Caribbean, Black or a part of the Afro-diaspora in Canada, including experiences of police brutality — we want to let Black people from coast to coast to coast know we’re listening to you and we’re here for you. We also want to support allies who are looking to listen, learn and effect change.
Throughout this page, you can find information related to anti-Black racism, including links to Black organizations and groups working to eliminate racism in Canada, mental health resources for Black people and materials for those wanting to be allies. You can also find out how to access Kids Help Phone’s e-mental health support services below.
Where can I find information related to anti-Black racism?
Kids Help Phone has always been there to support young people without judgment. We stand together against racism and stand as an ally with any community that faces discrimination.
One action in addressing anti-Black racism is to amplify Black voices and support organizations that advocate against racism in Canada and around the world. You can find some places to start here:
Black organizations and groups working to eliminate racism in Canada:
- Black Lives Matter – Canada
- Black Lives Matter Vancouver
- Canadian Race Relations Foundation
- Canadian Anti-racism Education and Research Society
- Black Health Alliance
Mental health resources for Black people:
- Black Lives Matter – Healing in Action: A Toolkit for Black Lives Matter Healing Justice & Direct Action (U.S. resource)
- Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) – Tool kits & Resources (U.S. resource)
- Community Healing Network (U.S. resource)
- Black Youth Helpline
- Protest resource for QTBIPOC
Materials for those wanting to be allies:
- Canadian Human Rights Commission – Statement – Anti-Black racism in Canada: time to face the truth
- Childline – Racism and Racial Bullying (U.K. resource)
- CBC News – ‘For Black kids, the reality is racism happens’: How one couple is talking to their kids right now
Where can I find related resources from Kids Help Phone?
Kids Help Phone also has a collection of self-guided resources that may be helpful. You can browse them here:
How can I access Kids Help Phone’s e-mental health support services?
If you’re looking for mental health support, Kids Help Phone’s services offer a safe place to talk 24/7. Our professional counsellors and volunteer crisis responders are trained to support you without judgment about whatever’s on your mind.
- Young people can call 1-800-668-6868 to talk to one of our counsellors confidentially and anonymously. (This means that what you tell us is private, and that we can’t see your contact info.) Our counsellors listen to you and help you come up with next steps together. Read more about our phone service and its privacy policy, including duty to report.
- Youth can also text CONNECT to 686868 to chat confidentially (this means that what you tell us is private) with a crisis responder at Kids Help Phone’s texting service. Our crisis responders listen to you and help you sort through your feelings. Read more about our texting service and its privacy policy, including duty to report.
- Adults can text WELLNESS to 741741 to chat with a crisis responder or visit Wellness Together Canada for more ways to get support.
- You can also search Resources Around Me to find other counselling and mental health programs (among other services!) near you.
