Recommendations

Overall, most participants agreed and validated the recommendations discussed. However, they pointed out that their success hinges on the availability of resources for implementation. Some shared their skepticism about the system’s seriousness and commitment to follow through with recommendations. They cited instances from the past that didn’t get implemented. There was also a general sentiment among participants that information Black communities provided have been used to further harm them. They expressed concerns as to whether their recommendations will genuinely be acted up on. Despite these reservations, they put forward the following recommendations:

Social determinants of justice

Enhance intergenerational harmony – bridge gaps in culture and traditions between parents and children and invest in programs that mitigate identity crises and enhance intergenerational harmony. Sustained investment is needed to design and implement programs that mitigate identity crises and enhance intergenerational harmony and in turn, reduce interaction with the law among Black youth.

Prevent family breakdown - the Canadian Justice System (CJS) and its application is There is differences of culture and traditions between parents and children, leading to identity crises for Black children from the moment they enter the school system. contributing to family breakdown. Black children are brought into contact with the various Children’s Aid Societies that don’t understand the cultural nuances of raising Black children. Create a system that is our own and sensitive to the cultural nuances of raising Black children.

Build on assets – the everyday experience of marginalization Black youth feel due to Anti-Black racism and limited opportunities can prevent them from showcasing their talents and connect with positive role models in their communities. Amplify and support the work of Black youth who are positive role models and contributing to meaningful change in the justice system and other fields to help change the script for many Black youth.

Equal treatment – the experience of members of Black communities indicates that the school system plays a significant role in labeling Black youth and influencing them to see themselves as outcasts. Institute policies to ensure that Black students are treated properly and equitably.

Policing

Community healing – the experience of interacting with police leaves members of Black communities with trauma. Allocate sustained investment to design and implement culturally sensitive community healing programs and initiatives that affirm and strengthen the resiliency of Black communities.

Shift relations between black communities and police – initiatives that attempt to improve relations between Black communities and the police are generally viewed as less impactful. The hiring of Black officers can be a step in the right direction, but it is only one piece of the puzzle in shifting relations. A deeper engagement codesigned with Black communities that aims to shift the mindset of the police is critical in transforming the relationship.

Courts

Increase representation – the experience of members of Black communities in the courts is extremely marginalizing due to cultural misunderstanding. Increase representation in the courts by hiring Black staff to meet the needs of members of Black communities.

Diversify the jury pool – the experience of members of Black communities indicate that people of color are not well represented. Diversify the jury pool to ensure that the makeup of juries is representative.

Embed afrocentric principles – the experience of members of Black communities indicates that the court system feels foreign. Like the Gladue Court that handles the cases of Indigenous people in line with their tradition, institute a system that embeds Afrocentric principles in proposing sentences that are in line their traditions.

Invest in alternative forms of justice – alternative forms of justice can be more effective, cost effective, efficient, and lead to healing. Invest in alternative forms of justice, such as community mediation, restorative justice that are culturally responsive.

Community reintegration

Remove barriers and provide reintegrative supports – the experience of members of Black communities indicates that there are systemic barriers they face post-incarceration. Invest in strategies that help them to find stable housing, employment, education opportunities and access to social, physical, and mental health services.

Remove stigma – the experience of members of Black communities indicates that there is stigma attached to being incarcerated that causes them and their network of support to internalize stigmatizing attitudes. Invest in strategies that help remove or reduce the stigma and access/receive supports they need to successfully reintegrate.

Victims of crime

Invest in recovery and closure – the experience of members of Black communities indicates that the impact of crime affects not just individuals, but the collective. There is limited support for those impacted by crime. Invest in support that can help individuals and communities to recover and find closure, including creating a hotline for closure and healing.

Invest in afrocentric supports - the experience of members of Black communities indicates that available support for individuals and communities impacted by crime does not align with their cultural perspectives. Invest in culturally appropriate programming that shifts mindsets and removes barriers that stand in the way of recovery, closure, and healing.

Immigration issues

Invest in education and awareness – the experience of members of Black communities indicates that many struggle to understand and navigate the immigration system. They find themselves to be easy targets for unscrupulous lawyers who manipulate them. Invest in programming that aims to build their awareness of their rights and responsibilities as citizens and residents.