Black Male Youth in Toronto: Tales of Opportunity in the City

• In Event: Race and Ethnicity Issues: Asian, Canadian, and American Perspectives

Abstract

There is considerably less academic literature on the experiences of Black male youth (BMY) in urban school communities in Canada compared to the United States. This paper aims to address this gap in the North American literature through an investigation of BMY perceptions of educational opportunity in Toronto, Ontario. The paper draws on data from Educational Trajectories, a narrative study of BMY experiences of education in the greater Toronto area. Analysis of focus groups transcripts revealed key themes related to structural and cultural barriers to educational opportunity and the tension between perceived benefits and costs of pursuing post-secondary education. The paper concludes by suggesting future research directions and the possibilities of education interventions drawing on the lived experiences of BMY.

Authors

• Lance Trevor McCready, OISE/University of Toronto

• Anthony Briggs, University of Toronto - OISE

• David A Pereira, University of Toronto - OISE

• Tawnee Collymore, University of Toronto - OISE

• Emmanuel Tabi, University of Toronto - OISE