Study reveals 83% of young Black people experienced discrimination in Quebec

Young Black people continue to be disproportionately targeted by daily discrimination in Quebec, reveals a study published by the Afro Youth Summit and the Quebec Black Communities Observatory.

According to this quantitative survey conducted in collaboration with Léger, 83 per cent of Black respondents report having been victims of discrimination at least once in their lives, compared to 40 per cent of non-Black respondents, the control group in this study.

Among the 961 young Black people (aged 15 to 35) surveyed, 63 per cent admitted to having been discriminated against a few times, and 20 per cent admitted to being discriminated against often.

“It seems like our young people are starting the game of life with two strikes down,” denounced Édouard Staco, president of the Afro Youth Summit, referring to baseball.

These incidents of discrimination, especially if repeated, can damage self-esteem and ultimately hinder a young adult’s potential, as Staco explains.

He also highlights the prevalence of this discrimination in public services. In this regard, 66 per cent of young Black respondents say they have experienced unfair treatment at least once in health, education, justice, and transportation services.

“Two-thirds of young Black people say they have experienced unfair treatment in services provided by the state, by the government; these are the basics for success in life,” says Édouard Staco.

The president of Sommet Jeunes Afro explains that this treatment can take many forms. “For example, it’s when society and education personnel seem to lack ambition for our young Black people,” he says.

He cites the example of racialized teens who are offered “easier” paths, such as vocational diplomas (DVS), instead of being encouraged to pursue higher education.

“Equity is the ability to believe that our youth have the right and the potential to be present at all levels.”

The data collected encompasses all types of discrimination, both explicit and symbolic. The organization is preparing a qualitative study to better describe the obstacles facing this generation.

“It’s said today that we’re in the age of data. Governments, society in general, operate with data,” explains Staco. “We need it to seriously advance the discussion and champion the cause of young people.”

The Afro Youth Summit organization wishes to send a message to the government by publishing the results of this study.

“Whether we call it systemic racism or not is irrelevant, but the data shows that there is indeed a problem of injustice in state institutions,” says Staco. “I would like to remind the government that this is also about their young people.”

Engaged Youth

Despite this dismal observation, Black youth do not seem to lack hope or ambition.

Among Black respondents, 46 per cent consider themselves to have high confidence in the future of their community, compared to only 11 per cent who say they have low or very low confidence.

“The good news is that young people in Black communities, despite all this, are as confident in their success as other young people. They believe in their future,” emphasizes Staco.

The data shows that this confidence translates into a strong commitment to their community: nearly 68 per cent of young people believe they make a positive contribution.

This hope must be nurtured, because it’s a powerful lever for change, he maintains.

“Clearly, our young people are ready to be agents of change, so we must ensure we give them equal opportunities for success so that their potential doesn’t go untapped.”

The survey was conducted online from August to October 2024, with 1,463 respondents from three different sources: a Léger web panel, an open link via a Léger DGTL digital campaign, and an open link distributed by Sommet Jeunes Afro (SJA) to their network of partners.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews