Black Youth Civic Participation and Identity
Exploring the Connections between Black Youth Civic Participation and Identity is a research project that investigates how Black youth in Canada understand, experience, and express civic participation in relation to their identities. Recognizing that civic engagement goes beyond voting and volunteering, this project highlights diverse and often overlooked forms of youth-led activism and advocacy, especially among Black communities. Through a collaborative and community-centered approach, the project aims to amplify youth voices and foster greater understanding of the structural, cultural, and personal factors shaping their civic lives.
Research Objectives
Amplifying youth voices
Using a a collaborative and community-centered approach, this project seeks
To examine how Black youth define and experience civic participation in their everyday lives.
To explore the relationship between civic engagement and identity formation among Black youth.
To identify barriers and enablers to meaningful civic engagement within Black communities.
To promote inclusive and culturally relevant understandings of civic participation.
To create knowledge-sharing platforms that centre youth voices and perspectives.
Project Activities
Conducting community-based research in collaboration with Black youth and partner organizations.
Hosting focus groups, interviews, and storytelling sessions with youth participants.
Producing multimedia outputs such as digital stories, podcasts, and art-based presentations.
Organizing a public forum to share findings and engage policy-makers, educators, and community leaders.
Developing accessible research reports and toolkits for educators, community organizers, and youth workers.
Related Resources
Insights into youth identity and community participation.
Project Photos/ Images
View pictures from our latest research activities.
