What is Amandla Olwazi Project
The Amandla Olwazi project is guided by Afrocentric traditional values and principles and is committed to reducing the impact of anti-Black racism on the mental health and well-being of Black communities in Canada.
The project aims to create and synthesize knowledge through research, build and develop Afrocentric principled knowledge mobilization products, engage with diverse Black community members, and establish a strong collaborative partnership with groups.
By breaking down barriers to mental health in Black communities, the project aims to positively impact policies and practices related to the mental health and well-being of Black Canadians. Read more to learn about how this innovative and unique knowledge mobilization project is making a difference.
Objectives
Knowledge Creation, Building, Development, and Synthesis.
Our goal is to create knowledge grounded in Afrocentric principles and values. By collaborating with Black community members, researchers, and organizations, we aim to address the impact of anti-Black racism on mental health and wellness. Our approach involves critical reflection, dialogue, and innovative knowledge mobilization products to empower Black communities and promote self-determination.
Leveraging Collaborative Partnerships for Positive Change
By collaborating with Black community members, academic institutions, faith-based organizations, community and social services agencies, and other Black-led agencies, we aim to create a strong network of diverse Black communities at a national level for self-determination. Our collaborative approach promotes inclusion, mutual respect, and collective action, to address the impact of anti-Black racism on mental health and wellbeing.
Development of Afrocentric Principled Knowledge Mobilization Products
Our products are designed to be inclusive, engaging, and grounded in Afrocentric values and principles, to promote critical reflection, dialogue, and exchange of ideas. Our goal is to create a strong network of diverse Black communities at a national level for self-determination.
Engaging Black Communities Against Anti-Black Racism
Our approach involves creating safe spaces for critical reflection, sharing experiences, and engaging in dialogue around the impact of systemic racism on individuals and communities. By promoting awareness and understanding of anti-Black racism, we empower Black communities to take action and promote self-determination.
Building a Strong Knowledge Mobilization Network
By leveraging the strengths and experiences of our partners, we can create and implement effective solutions to address the impact of anti-Black racism on mental health and wellbeing. Through collaboration, we aim to promote self-determination and foster a sense of community among Black Canadians.
Did you know?
The impact of racism on mental health is a significant concern within Black communities, as internalized and external forms of racism can contribute to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
The impact of racism on mental health is a significant concern within Black communities, as internalized and external forms of racism can contribute to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Black individuals are disproportionately affected by racism, experiencing systemic discrimination, stereotyping, and microaggressions on a regular basis. These experiences can lead to a sense of hopelessness, self-doubt, and feelings of isolation and marginalization. Furthermore, the intersectionality of being both Black and a woman, LGBTQ+, or having a disability, can lead to additional stressors and unique mental health challenges.
It is essential to address the impact of racism on mental health by providing culturally sensitive and responsive mental health services that center the experiences of Black individuals. This includes the need for Afrocentric approaches that prioritize Black identity, history, and culture, and empower individuals to address the impacts of internalized anti-Black racism.
