Notes
Gaps identified
Most studies on immigrant experiences focus on challenges and immigrants’ sense of exclusion rather than their resilience
Key findings
The youth pointed to African ethnic community associations and religious groups as sites and means of inclusion because they provide 1) spaces of safety, 2) empowerment initiatives, and 3) support through social networks. The community associations serve as spaces of safety because the youth felt a sense of belonging when interacting with ethnic group members.
The analysis of the agency of Black African youth illuminates the strength and power of the youth and their respective communities. Finding themselves in a new environment and context, they drew on continuous, centuries-long cultural knowledge and strategies to adapt to change. Not only are they coping, but they are also thriving and teaching and sharing their heritage and humanistic values with various peoples and cultures.
Community organizations
Sudanese homework club, Sudanese and Ghanaian immigrant associations, churches, immigrant youth programs
Location
Calgary, Alberta
Key populations
Black African immigrant youth
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
Participants have lived in Calgary for at least 5 years
Publisher: Canadian Ethnic Studies Association