Racial oases as spaces of positive racial identity socialization among African Canadian post-secondary students

Abstract

This article focuses on the need identified by African Canadian students for a “racial oasis” – a physical space designed to increase their exposure to positive racial identities - which can support them in developing a community of support among peers who understand the effects of anti-Black racism, and to identify strategies for coping with racism. Research participants were drawn from a program developed to support African Canadian students navigate post-secondary schooling in Ontario, Canada. Participants indicated that safe spaces were central to developing a positive racial identity, and that these spaces provided opportunities for them to critically reframe their racialized identity. Participants also suggested that the development of a positive racial identity supports degree perseverance and educational pursuits. This research indicates that institutions must be intentional in providing the resources necessary to foster positive racial identity socailization amongst Black students and underscores the benefits of providing “racial oases” in schools, community organizations, and workplaces.

Keywords:

• African Canadian youth
• Black students
• positive racial identity
• racial oasis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Beverly-Jean Margaret Daniel

Dr. Beverly-Jean Daniel is an Assistant Professor at Ryerson University in the School of Child and Youth Care. Her research focuses on healthy racial identity socialization amongst Black youth; the relationship between positive identity socializations and academic outcomes; resilience amongst Black females who have aged out of care and the experiences of High Achieving Black Students (HABS) and their families.