Against that backdrop, the “My Mental Health, My Country and I” event is an essential resource for equipping Black youth to overcome the challenges they encounter on a daily basis. The workshops and guest speakers help young people find ways to address the social, community and political challenges they face in Canada, facilitate their social integration and enhance their resilience.
The success of the first two editions of the event and the testimonials from young people are proof that it’s needed.
A much-needed platform for young Blacks
The event offers young people from the Black community a unique platform to express themselves freely on crucial issues affecting their mental and social well-being.
Secondary school participant David Tercy spoke candidly about the challenges rooted in a history of discrimination and inequality that he and his peers face. “Every day, I hear my parents say that I have to work twice as hard to have the same opportunities as my white classmates and friends. And sometimes, I’m just exhausted. . . . We’re all here today to ask the adults in our schools to remove racial barriers and obstacles. We’re here because we believe Canada can do better.”
“We’re all here today to ask the adults in our schools to remove racial barriers and obstacles. We’re here because we believe Canada can do better.”
David Tercy
— High school student
Senator Bernadette Clément, a guest speaker at the 2024 edition, echoed Tercy’s words and said she would increase spaces like “My Mental Health, My Country and I” to encourage more Black people to talk about their experiences and to work with young people.
Having herself experienced microaggressions and racist remarks, Clément gave the young people an enlightening perspective on the power of perseverance and advocacy. She reminded them of the importance of seeing themselves in the roles they aspire to. According to Clément, people are ready to welcome diversity in their spaces, and every obstacle overcome paves the way for future success. Her journey from the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law to Cornwall’s mayor’s office—a first for a Black woman in Ontario—and the Canadian Senate inspired the participants.
“People are ready to welcome diversity in their spaces, and every obstacle overcome paves the way for future success.”
Bernadette Clément
— Senator
At the 2023 event, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean also filled participants with much hope and determination to envision a more inclusive society in Canada.
Inspiring paths to follow
In addition to discussions with Senator Clément, the young people took part in a career fair. Students and Black professors from the University of Ottawa talked to the fair-goers about their own backgrounds, giving them a glimpse into the graduate and career opportunities available to them. Those models of success enabled the young people to see that their aspirations are achievable, and that their presence in academic and professional spaces is not only desired, but essential.
Jude Mary Cénat, director of the V-TRaC Lab and the University of Ottawa’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, reminded all of the power of advocacy and prevention in mental health. “When we talk about mental health, one of the important aspects is prevention, and that’s one of the main aims of this event,” he noted.
Launched in 2023 by the V-TRaC Lab and the University of Ottawa’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health (with support from the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund), this event brought over 200 Black secondary school students from across Ottawa to the University of Ottawa campus in 2024 for a day of dialogue, sharing and celebration of their identity and mental wellness.
* Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/da.23158
