Community Focused Resources

Published in The Conversation, this article examines how anti Black racism shapes health, social, and economic outcomes for Black Canadians. Written to support public understanding and community dialogue, the piece highlights historical and contemporary inequities, the importance of mentorship, and the need for accountable anti racism practices across Canadian institutions.

Delivered a community focused session through Edmonton Public Libraries addressing COVID 19 misinformation and disinformation affecting Black communities. The session provided culturally relevant public health information, corrected harmful myths, and offered practical strategies to help families make informed decisions.

A community oriented resource developed with the Africa Centre to support African diaspora communities during the COVID 19 pandemic. This material provided culturally relevant public health information, addressed misinformation, and offered practical guidance to help families and communities stay safe, connected, and informed during the crisis.

Delivered a community focused session on the mental health of Black youth in partnership with the Sinkunia Community Development Organization. The session provided culturally relevant mental health information, addressed stigma, and offered practical strategies to support the well being of Black children, adolescents, and families.

Featured in a community‑focused publication developed by the National Black Coalition of Canada (NBCC) Edmonton. The booklet highlights leaders, initiatives, and resources supporting Black communities across Alberta, and includes contributions reflecting ongoing work in community engagement, mentorship, and Black well‑being.

Featured in LiveWire Calgary, this story highlights the impact of the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program, founded and led to support Black youth in developing leadership skills, academic confidence, and community belonging. The article showcases youth research projects, personal growth, and the program’s role in strengthening pathways to post secondary education and professional careers. It reflects ongoing community engagement and mentorship efforts that empower Black youth across Calgary and beyond.

Selected projects produced or co-produced by Black youths in the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program, under my mentorship. 

1. Olurin, A., Akpulonu, N., Ogbeni, A., Chabangwa, N., Ouma, J., Irobe, Y. (2022). Resource list for Black people in Alberta. https://www.ualberta.ca/nursing/media-library/research/health-immigration/resource-list-for-black-people-in-alberta_gl2.docx-1.pdfhttps://www.ualberta.ca/nursing/media-library/research/health-immigration/resource-list-for-black-people-in-alberta_gl2.docx-1.pdf  

2. Soungie, M., Getty-Maina, R., Oladele, O., Salami, B. (January 2022). Black youth face mental-health disparities. Edmonton Journal. https://edmontonjournal.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-black-youth-face-deeper-challenges-to-mental-health

3. Oyelami, A. (2021). Resources for Black Parents in Edmonton, Alberta.

4. Kelly, J. R., Salami, B., Wesley, J., Chidiebere, J., Afowork, J., Omar, S., Sedio, O., Ramadan, M. (2020). It's time to address systemic inequities in schools for Black youth. Edmonton Journalhttps://edmontonjournal.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-its-time-to-address-systemic-inequities-faced-by-black-youth-in-school

5. Kelly, J. R., Salami, B., Wesley, J., Chidiebere, J., Afowork, J., Omar, S., Sedio, O., Ramadan, M. (2020). It's time to address systemic inequities in schools for Black youth. Calgary Herald. Retrieved from https://calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-its-time-to-address-systemic-inequities-faced-by-black-youth-in-school