In June 2025, the Centre for Research on Health Equity and Social Inclusion (CRHESI) convened African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) community members and healthcare partners from across London for a full-day forum titled Addressing Anti-Black Racism in Healthcare. The event provided space for open dialogue, sharing of stories, and collective problem-solving to identify barriers and co-create strategies for meaningful change within the healthcare system.
The event drew almost sixty participants and representatives from local health organizations and the diverse ACB communities in London.
Together, participants reflected on ongoing anti-Black racism work in healthcare, explored experiences with the healthcare system, and identified actions to be taken so London’s healthcare sector can become more equitable, inclusive, and accountable.
Community Voices: Shaping Healthcare Together
Participants described their experiences across the healthcare journey—from access and diagnosis to treatment and follow-up—revealing both systemic barriers and opportunities for improvement. Many shared how discrimination, stereotyping, and a lack of cultural humility can erode trust and discourage care-seeking. Others highlighted positive moments of culturally responsive care and trusted relationships built through respect and representation.
Community members expressed a strong desire to be actively involved in shaping healthcare systems and policies. They recommended more opportunities to serve on advisory committees and engage in consultation sessions, participate in evaluation and research, mentor healthcare professionals, receive regular communication, and be involved in education initiatives. However, they also noted persistent barriers to their meaningful involvement, including unclear pathways to participation, time constraints, distrust, transportation and childcare challenges, and uncertainty about whether their input would truly lead to change.
What Healthcare Organizations Can Do
Healthcare institutions can more effectively engage ACB communities in London and can take intentional action to address anti-Black racism in healthcare spaces.
Participants called for healthcare institutions to improve transparency and communication, increase ACB involvement and representation, engage in outreach and offer support, provide culturally responsive patient-centred care, and create safe environments and interactions for ACB community members. They highlighted the need for strengthened data governance and transparency. They advocated for anti-Black racism education for all those working in healthcare, with accountability to demonstrate positive change wherever needed. Participants asked for unbiased and culturally appropriate assessments, and for treatment plans to be co-created with patients and their families. Clear and accessible harassment reporting mechanisms are needed so that people know where and how to report concerns, that they feel safe and supported when reporting concerns, and that institutions should be open to making changes based on feedback they receive. Participants requested that healthcare institutions maintain a visible presence in community spaces to build trust and continuity.
Participants provided many specific recommendations to inform institutions in their efforts to address anti-Black racism in health care. Please see highlights outlined in the Infographic and details included in the Full Report.
Respect, Representation, and Accountability
When asked what accountability to the ACB community looks like, participants most often mentioned respect and representation. They envisioned a healthcare system that listens, learns, and acts—one where Black patients and clients are met with empathy, safety, and genuine inclusion. They emphasized that accountability requires clear feedback loops so communities can see how their voices inform decisions.
The event underscored that equitable healthcare requires shared responsibility. Participants called for the creation of dedicated community advisory networks, quarterly feedback forums, and increased and sustained investment in Black health initiatives. They also highlighted the need to recognize traditional healing practices, integrate trauma- and violence-informed care, and respect spiritual and cultural beliefs as integral to health outcomes.
Moving Forward
CRHESI and its partners will use these insights to guide next steps, including supporting both collective and organization-specific anti-Black racism action plans in London’s healthcare institutions that are participating in this process.
As one participant shared, “We’ve had many conversations before, but this time felt different—because our voices were heard and recorded. Now we want to see the change that follows.”
Acknowledgements
This initiative was led by Heather Lokko and Arun Jentrick on behalf of CRHESI, with the event co-created and co-implemented with partners from London Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Care London, Middlesex-London Health Unit, the City of London, Accès Franco-Santé London, the London Black Heritage Council, and Western University. Ontario Health provided a presentation and participated in the event.
CRHESI extends heartfelt thanks to all community members who shared their stories, insights, and recommendations for action to create a more equitable healthcare future in London.