What is Amandla Olwazi Project
The Amandla Olwazi-The Power of Knowledge 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 gather, and synthesize knowledge through research, and community engagement, and develop Afrocentric principled knowledge mobilization products. It also engages diverse Black community members and establishes a strong collaborative partnership with groups to mobilize knowledge.
Goals
By reducing 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.
Mission
Our mission is to raise awareness of the impact of anti-Black racism on the mental health and wellness of Black communities in Canada and to reduce this impact through the creation, development, and synthesis of Afrocentric principled knowledge mobilization products.
We believe that knowledge is power, and by mobilizing knowledge through collaborative partnerships, we can create positive change in the lives of Black Canadians. Our project brings together a wide range of individuals and organizations from broader Black communities, academic institutions, faith-based organizations, community and social services agencies, and other Black-led agencies as collaborators and implementors.
By reducing 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
To engage diverse Black community members with Afrocentric knowledge products and mobilization events to address the impact of internalized anti-Black racism and stigma on their mental health and wellbeing, and are supported to experience positive mental health.
To facilitate ongoing engagement and discourse focused on understanding Afrocentric health and wellbeing
To facilitate and continue conversations that address internalized anti-Black racism and stigma
To reduce the impact of anti-Black racism on the mental health and well-being of Black communities
To improve access to traditional and culturally appropriate mental health services
To build a strong network of diverse Black communities for self-determination
To impact policies and practices related to mental health services for 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.
