Racism is when negative attitudes and harmful actions (e.g. bias, stereotypes, hatred, etc.) are aimed at people based on race, ethnicity and / or culture. Anti-Black racism is when negative attitudes and harmful actions are directed specifically at Black communities. Anti-Black racism negatively affects the mental and physical health, opportunities, safety and security of Black people across the world.
Given the ongoing racism experienced by people who are African, Caribbean, Black or a part of the Afro-diaspora in Canada, we want to let Black people from coast to coast to coast know we’re here for you. We also want to encourage allies to learn and contribute towards creating meaningful change.
On this page, you can find information related to anti-Black racism, including links to Black organizations and groups working to end racism in Canada. You can also find out how to access Kids Help Phone’s e-mental health support services below.
What is Kids Help Phone doing to support Black youth in Canada?
All of us have a responsibility to make our communities fair and equitable. This includes taking action against anti-Black racism in Canada. Kids Help Phone continues to support young people from all equity-deserving communities without judgment. We remain in solidarity with all communities that face discrimination.
RiseUp powered by Kids Help Phone is a national, 24/7, bilingual e-mental health support service for Black youth. RiseUp offers texting support, online tools, resources and a range of community-based supports. This service is free and available from coast to coast to coast. The program has been created with Black community partners, The Black Advisory Council at Kids Help Phone and people from across the Afro-diaspora.
One way to address anti-Black racism is to center Black voices and support organizations and groups that are working to end racism in Canada and across the world. You can find some places to start here:
Black organizations and groups working to end racism in Canada:
- Black Lives Matter – Canada
- Canadian Race Relations Foundation
- Canadian Anti-racism Education and Research Society
- Black Health Alliance
To find more information on Anti-Black racism:
- New Youth: What’s the history of anti-Black racism in Canada?
- Today’s Parent: Why anti-Black racism persists in Canadian schools
- CBC Kids News: On National Child Day, meet anti-Black activist Haleluya Hailu
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:
I’ve experienced racism — where can I find support?
Understanding stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination
Cultural and systemic racism: What are they?
How to cope with upsetting news stories
Coping with tragedy
How can I cope with my feelings about the future?
How to have an open conversation with a young person
Helping young people recognize and respond to online hate
Tanya Turton on healing through art and community
Emotional truths from my own experiences growing up Black
Support for First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth
12 ways to participate in reconciliation
Youth story: Coming to terms with myself
Reina’s story on intergenerational trauma & spirituality
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.
- You 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 741741 to connect with a crisis responder
- You can also search Resources Around Me to find other counselling and mental health programs (among other services!) near you.
