Abstract
Background
Engaging Black communities in research requires culturally responsive methods to address systemic barriers such as mistrust, systemic racism, and underrepresentation. This study explores strategies to foster meaningful research engagement with Black communities in Western Canada, guided by community-based participatory research (CBPR) and critical race theory (CRT).
Methods
A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, using semi-structured interviews with 12 researchers experienced in Black health research in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Participants were selected through a scoping review and professional networks. Interviews explored strategies for culturally responsive engagement and were analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s framework. The analysis was informed by CBPR and CRT, emphasizing community involvement, intersectionality, and addressing systemic barriers.
Results
Five key themes emerged: (1) choosing culturally aligned research methodologies, (2) involving Black communities in research roles, (3) considerations for culturally safe data generation, (4) engaging communities in data analysis, and (5) innovative approaches to knowledge mobilization. The study advances qualitative research by providing a framework for culturally responsive approaches that emphasize trust-building, prolonged engagement, and tailoring research to reflect cultural nuances and community priorities. However, the study reflects on its reliance on researcher perspectives rather than direct community input, highlighting the need for greater community involvement in future research.
Conclusion
This study provides actionable insights into culturally appropriate research practices with Black communities in Western Canada. By emphasizing community involvement, cultural responsiveness, and innovative knowledge dissemination, the findings offer a framework to enhance equity and inclusivity in research. The study underscores the importance of aligning research practices with CBPR and CRT principles and calls for greater institutional support for culturally responsive approaches.
Keywords
Introduction
The outcomes and experiences of Black communities in Canada are shaped by intricate social determinants such as systemic racism and structural inequities. These factors contribute to persistent underrepresentation in research and engagement efforts, particularly when compared to other demographic groups (Clarke, 2016; Lavergne et al., 2023; Public Health Agency of Canada, 2024; Tjepkema et al., 2023). Disparities in education, employment, and housing exacerbate these challenges, underscoring the need for inclusive research methodologies and practices that address the unique contexts of Black Canadians (Alaazi et al., 2024; Nwoke et al., 2022; Public Health Agency of Canada, 2020, 2023). Addressing these gaps requires a deeper understanding of the systemic and cultural factors influencing Black community participation in research (Dryden & Nnorom, 2021; Ezeife et al., 2022; Nnorom et al., 2019; Nnorom & Wilson, 2022).
Although the Black population in Canada is steadily growing, particularly in the Prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, there remains a significant lack of culturally responsive research engagement in these regions. Black communities—comprising historic settlers and recent migrants—face unique socioeconomic challenges, including stigma, competing priorities, and mistrust of researchers due to historical exploitation (Alaazi et al., 2024; Salami et al., 2021). The absence of culturally appropriate methods for engaging Black communities in research perpetuates underrepresentation and limits the relevance and impact of research findings (Alaazi et al., 2024; Black Health Equity Working Group, 2021; Breland-Noble et al., 2024; Dryden & Nnorom, 2021; Nwoke et al., 2022).
Participant recruitment remains one of the most significant barriers to conducting research with Black communities in Canada, particularly in underserved regions. Stigma around discussing sensitive topics, time constraints, and deeply rooted mistrust of research—stemming from exploitative practices like the Tuskegee Syphilis Study—complicate engagement efforts (Alsan & Wanamaker, 2018; Bajaj & Stanford, 2021; Dryden & Nnorom, 2021). Additionally, race-evasive research practices that fail to acknowledge systemic inequities further erode trust (Dryden & Nnorom, 2021). As a result, Black communities are often underrepresented in research, particularly in the Prairie provinces where systemic inequities are most pronounced (Boakye et al., 2023; Public Health Agency of Canada, 2024; Salami, 2023).
Community engagement has emerged as an essential strategy to address these gaps. Collaborative research efforts that involve Black community members as advisors, collaborators, and researchers have been shown to enhance the quality, relevance, and trustworthiness of research while ensuring findings are actionable (Alaazi et al., 2024; Black Health Equity Working Group, 2021; Durrance-Bagale et al., 2022; Hood et al., 2023). Involving Black community members as active participants in research processes, including as researchers, collaborators, and advisors, not only enhances the quality and relevance of data but also fosters trust and ensures that research outcomes are meaningful and impactful for the communities involved. Strategies such as involving community gatekeepers, designing culturally tailored outreach, and providing fair compensation for participation have proven effective in fostering engagement and addressing mistrust (Alaazi et al., 2024; Black Health Equity Working Group, 2021).
Despite the emphasis on community engagement, research addressing the perspectives of Black Canadians in the design and implementation of culturally responsive research remains limited. This study employs an explicit theoretical framework to ground its methodological approach, recognizing that culturally responsive research must be informed by intersectionality and participatory research principles. By integrating these perspectives, this study situates itself within existing literature while also identifying gaps in previous research practices. Moreover, this study critically reflects on the degree to which its own research process adhered to culturally responsive principles and how these insights can inform future studies.
This study aims to explore culturally appropriate methods for engaging Black communities in research within Western Canada. By identifying effective strategies and addressing systemic barriers to participation, the research seeks to guide researchers in adopting approaches that build trust, respect cultural nuances, and promote meaningful involvement. Through these efforts, the study contributes to advancing inclusive and equitable research practices that reflect the voices and experiences of Black communities. This study addresses a methodological gap by developing innovative strategies for engaging marginalized communities, offering a model for incorporating cultural responsiveness into qualitative research.
Theoretical Framework
This study is guided by a culturally responsive research framework, integrating community-based participatory research (CBPR) (Israel et al., 1998, 2010; Wallerstein & Duran, 2010) and critical race theory (CRT) (Crenshaw, 1991; Delgado & Stefancic, 2017). These perspectives ensure that research methodologies align with the lived experiences, priorities, and agency of Black communities in Western Canada. CBPR emphasizes community collaboration in research, while CRT examines systemic barriers and inequities affecting Black communities.
Findings reflect CBPR principles through community involvement in advisory roles, data collection, and knowledge mobilization rather than exclusive Black-led research. CRT is evident in discussions of systemic barriers, mistrust, and intersectionality in research participation. The study also highlights challenges in sustaining CBPR principles due to institutional constraints.
By integrating CBPR and CRT, this study provides practical strategies for equitable and inclusive research, while recognizing the need for greater institutional support for culturally responsive approaches. Positioned before the Methodology section, this framework sets the foundation for understanding the study’s design and analysis.
Methodology
Study Design
This study employed a descriptive qualitative research design, which is well-suited for exploring experiences and perspectives within a specific population (Sandelowski, 1995). The qualitative approach enabled an in-depth exploration of culturally responsive research practices by engaging researchers with expertise in Black health research in the Prairie provinces of Canada.
Scoping Review and Interview Guide Development
To inform the study’s design and ensure relevance, a comprehensive scoping review of existing literature was conducted to identify researchers who had made significant contributions to Black health research in the Prairie provinces (Alaazi et al., 2024). This process followed Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework, incorporating systematic searches across multiple databases, citation chaining, and expert consultations to ensure a robust selection of studies. The findings from this review helped shape the interview guide by identifying key themes related to culturally responsive research methodologies, community engagement strategies, and barriers to research participation.
The interview guide was collaboratively developed by the research team, ensuring alignment with the study’s objectives and reflecting best practices in culturally responsive research. Additionally, feedback from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) staff was integrated to enhance its relevance to public health frameworks. To further refine the guide, pilot testing was conducted with two researchers, leading to modifications that improved clarity, question structure, and thematic coverage. The final interview guide consisted of open-ended questions with targeted probes, allowing participants to elaborate on their experiences while ensuring consistency across interviews. Interview topics covered research methodologies, participant recruitment challenges, ethical considerations, culturally safe data collection, and strategies for knowledge mobilization.
Participant Selection and Recruitment
A total of 12 researchers who had previously conducted studies on Black health in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba were purposefully selected. This sample size aligns with qualitative research guidelines, ensuring rich, detailed insights while maintaining feasibility.
To identify suitable participants, we leveraged insights from the scoping review along with professional networks and outreach efforts. Researchers with a strong track record of community-based research in Black health were identified. A total of 24 individuals were invited to participate in the study through email invitations and follow-up communications, of whom 12 agreed to participate. These participants represented a diverse range of perspectives from both academic and community-based research backgrounds.
Data Collection: In-Depth Semi-Structured Interviews
Recognizing the importance of positionality in qualitative research, the study was conducted by a research team composed entirely of Black researchers with lived and professional experience in Black health research. This positionality allowed for cultural awareness, sensitivity, and deeper engagement with participants, fostering an environment of trust and shared understanding. The researchers’ identities as members of the Black community facilitated rapport-building and encouraged participants to share candid insights about their experiences. However, the team remained reflexive throughout the research process, acknowledging potential biases and ensuring that findings were driven by participant narratives rather than researcher assumptions.
Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which provided flexibility while maintaining a focus on key topics related to culturally responsive research, community engagement, and research methodologies. The interview questions were designed to elicit detailed narratives and reflections on the researchers’ experiences, challenges, and best practices for engaging Black communities in research. Each interview lasted between 33 and 124 minutes, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of diverse perspectives. Interviews were conducted virtually via Zoom, allowing accessibility for participants across different locations. Ethical considerations, including informed consent, voluntary participation, and confidentiality protections, were rigorously maintained throughout the research process.
By implementing a structured yet adaptable approach, this study ensured that data collection remained rigorous while capturing the nuanced perspectives of experienced researchers in Black health research.
Data Analysis
The data collection and analysis process followed an iterative and methodologically rigorous approach to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings. Guided by the principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR) and critical race theory (CRT), our analysis sought to center the voices and experiences of Black communities while critically examining systemic barriers to research participation. Professional transcriptionists transcribed the interview audio recordings verbatim, and the research team conducted meticulous checks to verify the accuracy and completeness of the transcripts. Data coding and analysis were performed by our research team members using NVivo 12, a specialized software designed for qualitative data analysis (Miles et al., 2019).
Our analysis adhered to a thematic approach guided by Braun and Clarke’s analytic framework (Braun & Clarke, 2021), which was informed by the intersectional and participatory principles of CRT and CBPR. This framework involved several systematic steps: becoming familiar with the data, generating codes, creating themes, reviewing potential themes, defining final themes, and ultimately producing a comprehensive report. Throughout this process, we remained reflexive, acknowledging our positionality as Black researchers and the potential biases that could arise from our lived experiences. We also ensured that the themes reflected the intersectional identities of participants, as emphasized by CRT, and that the analysis process aligned with CBPR principles by involving community perspectives in the interpretation of findings.
To enhance the credibility and dependability of the analysis, team members engaged in regular discussions to resolve discrepancies in coding and theme development. These discussions were informed by the theoretical frameworks of CRT and CBPR, ensuring that the analysis critically addressed systemic inequities and prioritized community-driven insights. Peer debriefing sessions were also conducted to ensure that the themes accurately reflected the data and were not influenced by researcher biases. Additionally, we incorporated feedback from Black community members during the analysis phase to validate the interpretations and ensure cultural relevance, aligning with CBPR’s emphasis on community involvement in all stages of research.
By integrating these practices, the study maintained a high standard of rigor and trustworthiness throughout the data handling and analysis process (Creswell, 2013). His approach not only ensured methodological rigor but also reinforced the study’s commitment to culturally responsive research practices, as outlined in the theoretical framework.
Results
Twelve individuals (researchers) actively participated in the qualitative interviews. Among them, nine had prior research experience with Black populations in Alberta, one in Saskatchewan, and one in both Alberta and Manitoba. Remarkably, one participant had conducted research in all three provinces, showcasing a broad understanding of Black health across the Prairie region.
In terms of gender distribution, the majority of participants (nine out of twelve) identified as women, while three identified as men. None of the participants identified outside of these two gender categories. Furthermore, eight participants self-identified as Black, highlighting the significant representation of individuals with direct experience and insights into Black health issues. Conversely, four participants identified as non-Black, providing a diverse perspective within our participant cohort.
Interview Themes and Sub-themes.
Engagement in Choosing Research Methodologies
Participants reflected on the complexities of selecting methodologies that align with the goals and challenges of conducting research with Black populations in Canada. Their discussions revealed varied preferences and highlighted methodological strengths and limitations, as well as practical considerations in the research process. These insights offer valuable guidance for tailoring research approaches to ensure meaningful engagement and robust outcomes.
Qualitative Research Methodologies
Some researchers favoured strictly qualitative methods, arguing these methodologies enable participatory action research designs. As noted by one participant: “I will not go out of my way to just build a survey; I will do some kind of pilot qualitative study before I build my survey” [P001]. In this case, the respondent draws on participants in formulating survey questions.
Quantitative Research Methodologies
Participants noted challenges in conducting quantitative research with Black populations in Canada. Specifically, they reported having trouble recruiting large enough sample sizes, as explained by one participant: “It was a problem with the sampling. Some of our samples were so small. One of the problems in recruiting, which led to small samples, and now try and engage now and use statistics in there, statistical methods, there are certain really minimal numbers that will give you results that are – you know that are not useful, generalizable and so on, so I would say that from our experience we didn’t actually get that much.” [P009]
Additionally, participants noted that recruitment often relies heavily on snowball sampling, where one person recruits a friend and so on and so forth. This can make randomization difficult or impossible to achieve in survey research.
The findings demonstrate how tailored methodological choices, such as participatory action research designs and community-informed approaches, can overcome systemic barriers and improve the quality and relevance of research outcomes.
Mixed Methods Research Methodologies
Participants explained the benefits of mixed methods research in their work. In one case, a participant noted how survey data may enable large recruitment of participants but keeps understanding of issues at the surface level. However, this participant also noted that having interviews supplement survey data may offer a deeper window into analysis: “The thing about the survey is that they can’t tell you a whole lot. If they agree to an interview, they can go deeper into what is happening. So, it’s about balancing depth and size” [P001].
In our own study, we employed a qualitative approach, which allowed for in-depth exploration of culturally responsive research practices. However, we recognize that our reliance on researcher perspectives, rather than direct community input, may have limited the depth of intersectional analysis. Future studies could benefit from incorporating mixed methods to balance depth and breadth of data.
Engaging Black Communities in Research Roles
Participants explained the need for Black community participation in all stages of research. They explained partnership between research institutions and community organizations is important in strengthening knowledge production. Such participation was cited as a means to strengthen data collection and interpretation, leading to more nuanced and accurate research and deeper understanding of issues under investigation. One participant explained the particular benefits of community participation for researchers: It’s likely that we will get more diverse data, a larger database, and more meaningful (data) because many times a lot of research that we do, does not go to the grassroots. We don’t have that reach to go deeper [P001].
While our study involved Black researchers in the analysis process, we acknowledge that we did not fully involve community members in advisory or decision-making roles. This is an area for improvement in future research, as it aligns with CBPR principles of equitable collaboration.
Additionally, many participants explained the importance of using such partnerships to build capacity among community organizations who are pursuing their own data collection and knowledge production. Offering partnerships as a means to build an organization’s capacity, while also benefitting from data produced through the research, is likely to increase community engagement in projects stemming from outside their community. One participant explained how such partnerships afford learning opportunities for both parties: We can also work with them and work on partner-driven initiatives, such as if they want to run a survey, we can work on something like shared partnership so that we can help them. We can work with them on the survey. We can generate the questions with them. We can develop the survey and run it by them. They have reach of the community, especially the grassroots, which we don’t. It’s likely that if we work with them, we – we learn from them in terms of how to frame our questions. They learn from us in terms of basic rudiments of doing research. [P001]
The majority of the discussion on community engagement in research focused on community member roles within research teams. Many participants saw these team roles as important for collaboration. They explained the importance of equitable relationships between researchers and community members: It’s important to make sure that you’re not going in as the expert, but you’re also gaining expertise from individuals from that community. It goes back to the community engagement that you mentioned earlier is having someone from that community be a part of the research team. [P002]
This participant explained the necessity of having community members in decision-making roles within the research team. They spoke of the importance of forming reciprocal and equitable relationships between team members by dislodging researcher assumptions of their own expertise. Within this theme of Black community roles in research, we noted four approaches to including community members on research teams: (1) as investigators and collaborators, (2) as research assistants, (3) as advisory committee members, and (4) in roles beyond research teams.
As Investigators and Collaborators
Participants explained the importance of Black researcher participation in all stages of research and across all roles within research teams. Having Black researchers and Black community leadership on research projects is especially important when primary investigators are outsiders to the community or come from different social locations, especially those who are not Black. One participant explained that having an insider from the community hold a position of leadership on the research team can be crucial to engagement with that community. Moreover, this work is necessary to counter prior exclusion of Black populations from Canadian health data. Here, a participant suggested such exclusion may be partially blamed on the lack of relationships between health researchers and community leaders: I think my advice [to a White researcher coming into a Black community] would be they definitely need to get to know the community first. And have that insider, have that community insider [connector]. I think it would be challenging to recruit if they don't have a community insider. And we see this with the national surveys already, things like the CCHS, or the Canadian Health Survey or the Canadian Health Measures Survey. There's a very small number of Black population in the surveys compared to other demographics. [P003]
As Research Assistants
Several participants reported purposefully hiring Black students or community members as research assistants. They explained that these research assistants are often best connected within communities, enabling networking and helping investigators identify and connect with key community leaders. This often aided in participant recruitment as well as creation of trust between researchers and community members. Having researchers with community connections who were ‘insiders’ [P003] was often able to facilitate such trust.
Further, many respondents cited the importance of reciprocity in their work. By hiring and training Black researchers, they sought to transfer knowledge and resources back into the communities they worked with, as noted by one participant: Wherever possible, I always have Black research assistants, because that's my way. So, for me, that's a form of reciprocity. And what I mean by that is that I'm fortunate enough to work with this community. So, one of the concrete ways that I give back is providing opportunities for not only Black graduate students, but members of the community become involved, whether they be research assistants, or research coordinators. Because that's one way of giving back to whatever community I'm working with but especially when it comes to Black communities. [P008]
As Advisory Committee Members
Finally, participants reported a need for community leaders to sit on advisory committees. They explained that advisory committee roles should not simply be figurehead roles. Instead, research teams can draw on the wealth of knowledge and expertise advisory committee members bring to shape the research project at all stages, as explained by one participant: The advisory committees that I have put together with other team members, we actually put them to work. And so, we send them the proposal. If we're doing an interview guide or developing a survey, we get their feedback, on most instruments. When it comes to recruitment, we seek their ideas and input about the recruitment process. So, they are very active advisory committees. [P008]
Roles Beyond Research Teams
Much discussion focused on community roles in research and initiatives generated at the university level. Conversely, some participants reported a need for institutional support of community initiatives, for example: I think the academia should do more than simply engaging them[(communities] as advisory committees and participants. We should start helping to build the capacity of these organizations to generate basic data. When they have community gatherings, they can do focus groups. They can take – they can develop notes from community gatherings and develop themes from those gatherings from what they are doing. [P001]
This participant highlights an important point to remember. Research aimed at true community engagement and capacity building should facilitate multi-directional flows of knowledge and leadership between community and academia. This suggests researchers working at large institutions should not gatekeep data generation and knowledge production, but instead seek to enhance and expand the abilities of community organizations to also engage in this work.
Key Engagement Considerations in Data Generation
Participants highlighted the importance of thoughtful and context-sensitive approaches to data generation in research with Black communities. They emphasized that data generation must move beyond traditional frameworks to address the unique social, cultural, and historical dynamics of these communities. This requires a commitment to equity, trust-building, and cultural responsiveness, ensuring that research processes resonate with participants’ lived experiences and foster meaningful outcomes. Three subthemes are discussed in this section: considering intersectional identities, framing individual problems as community problems, and ensuring cultural safety.
Consider Intersectional Identities
First, it is crucial that researchers recognize participant experiences are shaped by their multiple and intersecting social locations. This means that identities are not exclusively shaped by race. Instead, gender, sexuality, class, ability, migration, and a multitude of other social locations may shape their lives. Respondents noted that research participants may consider some of these identity categories most forefront in their lives and these can vary from individual to individual. One participant provided an example, “…you don’t say Black entrepreneur. Black entrepreneurs could be LGBTQ, they could be husbands, fathers, immigrants, there are all kinds of, you know, their identities” [P001]. In this case, this participant even extended consideration of identity beyond social location and structure, noting a person’s position within family and community can also feature important parts of their story.
Frame Individual Problems as Community Problems
This consideration relates to an understanding of communities as gatekeepers to participant recruitment. Communities may be more willing to engage in work that is seen to better the community as a whole as opposed to focusing on individually focused issues. Additionally, it may be important to frame individual problems as community problems to reflect cultural understandings present in a specific community. For example: “When it comes to intimate partner violence, we’re not looking at two people. We’re looking at a couple. We’re looking at a union between two extended families” [P001]. In the case of family violence provided here, the culturally relevant approach is to make sense of the issue in relation to two extended families rather than to an individual person. This may mean outsider researchers have to adjust their conceptions of family violence beyond individuals and families to include communities. Changes to conceptualizing health (and research) issues such as family violence has implications for recourses that are relevant to communities.
Consider Cultural Safety
Participants also explained the necessity of creating safe spaces. Some participants, such as the following, explained this may demand an understanding of cultural or religious norms: “I also know that safe spaces are crucial. There are some things you approach [in research] that a woman may want to talk about that she doesn’t want to be around men or with [her] husband. So, safe spaces are very, very important.” [P001]
Other respondents echoed the message that participant well-being should forefront research design in order to support recruitment and participation. Additionally, some noted the need for trust between researchers and participants, explaining this may demand rapport and long-term presence in the community, as put by one participant: “Don’t just jump in, you know, like the fly-by-night scholars. Do you have a relationship with them? Because that will also affect the quality of your data. Our people are suspicious of the mainstream, and rightly so. You’re dealing with people who their suspicions. You need to gain their trust and you don’t gain it in one week.” [P001]
Another participant highlighted a key means of promoting safety is by using appropriate language and not perpetuating stigma or uneven relationships of power between researchers and participants: “I think it’s important to ensure that we’re being respectful and mindful of the individual’s lived experiences and their world views. Taking a curiosity stance is important as well so, again, making sure that we’re not coming off as experts, but just being curious and really inviting curiosity into the research process is important and be non-judgemental is also going to be important as well.” [P002]
Prolonged Engagement with the Black Communities
It is not atypical for Black communities to be suspicious and mistrusting of university researchers, given the histories of research exploitation experienced by Black communities globally. Our participants advised fellow researchers against fly-by-night scholarship, where researchers would enter and exit Black communities without building long-lasting relationships. Time investment is therefore required to build rapport and trusting relationships with communities prior to initiating research projects. This must be seen as a basic requirement for generating quality data in Black communities. Attention to trust-building requires that researchers are able to engage intensely with communities beyond the life cycle of individual research projects. This may entail going beyond research agendas, being present in communities much longer, and actively contributing to community development efforts, including empathizing with community challenges and participating in community events (e.g., festivals, community games, etc.). One participant described this as openness: Establish trust and being authentic, not just going in with an agenda. So, forget the [research] agenda, forget the alternative motive. Just get to know the people, be open, be authentic, be a friend [of the community]. [P002]
Another participant spoke about the importance of making oneself a visible member of the Black community, even if researchers view themselves as carrying obvious Black identities: I have to make myself more visible in the community. Even though my name is an African name and people know me or identify me as an African woman, I still have to make myself visible to the community. So go to community events, attend community organization events as well. Attend churches that I wasn't necessarily a member of, because I think when people put a face to the name then they were more willing to actually assist with the survey or assist with recruitment or wanted to take part in the study. [P003]
Another of our participants spoke of how the site of her research in a Back community came to see her as a member of their community, inviting her to speak at community events that had little connection to her research project. Her genuine interest in the affairs of the community and willingness to extend support beyond the scope of her research project became the basis of a trusting relationship: But they also started engaging me into other community activities. I remember the Southern Sudanese community, after those initial conversations, they invited me to come and speak at their church when they were commemorating the killings that happened in one of the communities in Southern Sudan. They wanted to see if they can consider me as one of them, concerned about the issues that concerned them, not just the issues that concern me as a researcher. [P007]
Although immersing oneself in the affairs of community is valuable and would ultimately be beneficial to a research project, current research funding models do not recognize prolonged community engagements, as funded projects tend to have definite initiation and expiration dates. In addition, universities do not also give much attention to community services in their annual assessment of faculty performance, as community-engaged scholarship has yet to gain widespread recognition as an integral component of work carried out at the academy.
Create Safe Spaces
It is safe to say that Black communities are generally privacy and gender-conscious, especially in matters related to personal health information. Hence, it is critically important that a great deal of attention is paid to the gender constitution of focus groups and conversation cafés or, in the case of interviews, the gender of interviewer vis-á-vis the gender of individual participants. For example, Black men may not feel comfortable discussing their prostate health with a female interviewer or do so in a focus group or conversation that has a heavy female presence. Similarly, Black women can be uncomfortable discussing intimate partner violence in a focus group that has male participants. One interviewee stated: I also look at the matter of safe space that women may not just come and talk. If somebody is separated from the husband or they’re having problems or a man has issues about maybe prostate health, you need a safe space for them to express themselves. [P001]
In other instances, it is considered uncultured or unreligious to bring men and women together. While a mix of men and women may be advantageous, from a research perspective, such an attempt can be culturally offensive, and may actually derail There was one interesting one in terms of focus groups and interviewing. I wasn’t aware until one of my research assistants mentioned; there is a religious one for the Sudanese and the Somali. They cannot meet in the same room, men and women…But there was actually an advantage from their point of view because they were able to speak. [P009]
Engaging Black Communities in Data Analysis
Data analysis emerged as an important theme in our findings. As discussed in the prior section, participants emphasized the involvement of Black community members at every stage of research, from design to dissemination of results. They highlighted the significance of community involvement particularly during data analysis. We noted three subthemes relating to ways in which Black community members can engage in data analysis or health research and associated challenges: (1) involvement in data analysis itself, (2) involvement in validation of researcher interpretation of data, and (3) maintaining anonymity when community are involved in data analysis.
Involving Community in Data Analysis
First, respondents explained how the participation of Black researchers and community members in data analysis is vital. Data may include language or stories that can be lost in translation if outsiders conduct analysis in isolation. Instead, having a researcher with cultural understanding of these messages can prevent misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and misrepresentation of data, as explained by one participant: “I think cultural interpretation sometimes where in some ethnic groups they use parables where they explain stuff that I don't always, can understand. So, I think even having a Black colleague that's, maybe come back to that previous question where you ask, should you be the lead on the project with Black. I think that sensitising for the information, really the cultural understanding of what is shared with you, you cannot do that with my background. You need somebody from, with the same background type of to help you with the interpretation, because you can misinterpret the data very, very, very easily. So, that's why I think you need to have a Black colleague with you or help you with the interpretation.” [P012]
This approach exemplifies a methodological innovation by ensuring that cultural nuances are respected and preserved throughout the analysis process, addressing common pitfalls in cross-cultural research.
Involving Community in Validation of Researcher Interpretation
In cases where community members are not directly involved in data analysis, it may by important that they at least validate the interpretation of results. This can especially be the case when the primary investigator or other members of the team engaged in analysis are not members of the community, as shared by one participant: I think just validating certain things if I don’t understand it, so that cultural understanding where I would go, probably go back to participants or follow up or following participants and said this was shared with me, is my interpretation correct. [P012]
Such a process may demand data analysis be conducted in stages, as outsider researchers may have to return to data and even community participants several times.
Navigating Issues with Anonymity in Small Communities
Although participants noted the need for community involvement in data analysis and validation, they did caution about a danger in doing so. They explained that community researchers who analyze data may be able to discern the identity of participants. One participant noted the challenges with ensuring anonymity in Black communities also relate to small communities: I think it's also very important to be careful what you are sharing. Because in these communities, sometimes these communities, and they're not just Black communities, but immigrant communities are small and you can reveal the identity of your participants very, very easily [P012].
In this study, participants did not identify specific measures they would recommend be taken to better protect confidentiality and anonymity.
Engaging Black Communities in Knowledge Mobilization
Knowledge mobilization also featured prominently among participant discussions. Many noted the benefits of engaging Black communities in disseminating information gleaned from study findings. Within this theme, participants discussed deployment of both conventional knowledge dissemination methods, and the move towards new innovative means.
Conventional Methods
First, several respondents explained that journal publications and policy or funding reports do not typically engage audiences beyond academics and funding agents. One participant noted a need for accompanying lay reports alongside such publications: I would say that the main one would be – well, first of all the publications that will come out, so there will be two types of publications. There is a publication that is tailored for the funder, the funding agents, and then there is a publication that’s now for the academic audience, so we do that one…And then there is what we call lay reports for the organizations that we would have worked with. So, if we have the XXX (name of organization) or XXX (name of organization), they do get a lay report in very simplified language. Then with Professor X [name of P]) we did actually end with – we did some webinars. We did some national webinars. [P009]
As noted here, community members and partner organizations can play a significant role in disseminating these data and mobilizing knowledge produced through such projects.
Innovative Methods
Despite acknowledging the possibilities for knowledge mobilization through conventional means, most of the participants focused on innovative methods. In one case, a respondent described knowledge mobilization endeavors as a moral obligation in research with Black communities, stating: It is extremely important that if one is doing research with Black communities, that there is both a professional and moral obligation to make sure that we make opportunities, not have opportunities, that we make opportunities to disseminate that information above and beyond the traditional academic means, such as peer review articles, book chapters, and conference presentations. Because those types of scholarly products are primarily geared to a specific audience. [P008]
Recommendations for innovative methods primarily centred around holding workshops and meeting people in community settings. These were often described as gatherings, and participants advised on the importance of providing both food and practical information or resources, as highlighted by one participant: We have to move beyond that in academics and be able to do presentations in those communities and also engage them in workshops. I feel like workshops that are incentivized, that would have lunch, would have food, because we have food as a major part of our culture. So, workshops that have food that have practical applications will be productive after research project has been completed. [P004]
Such community-based methods of knowledge mobilization also demand researchers maintain relationships with the community after project completion.
Discussion
The study investigates culturally appropriate methods for engaging Black communities in research, with a focus on the Prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Drawing on qualitative interviews with experienced researchers, it identifies key strategies to ensure meaningful engagement. Participants highlighted the importance of selecting suitable research methodologies, balancing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches to align with the unique challenges of engaging Black communities. Active involvement of community members at all stages of research was emphasized, with roles such as investigators, collaborators, research assistants, and advisory committee members fostering equitable and reciprocal relationships. The findings stress the significance of addressing intersectional identities, framing issues as community concerns, ensuring cultural safety, and fostering prolonged engagement to build trust. The study also underscores the need for community involvement in data analysis and validation to prevent misrepresentation and maintain anonymity in small, tightly knit communities. Finally, participants advocated for knowledge mobilization through both conventional methods, such as academic publications, and innovative approaches like community workshops and gatherings. Collectively, these findings provide a comprehensive framework for fostering inclusive, respectful, and impactful research practices with Black communities.
The findings of this study are deeply informed by the theoretical frameworks of CBPR and CRT (Crenshaw, 1991; Israel et al., 2010; Wallerstein & Duran, 2010). The emphasis on community involvement in research roles, intersectionality, and addressing systemic barriers reflects the core principles of CBPR, which prioritize equitable partnerships between researchers and communities. Similarly, the focus on systemic racism, mistrust, and intersectional identities aligns with CRT, which critiques the structural inequities that shape the experiences of Black communities. By integrating these frameworks, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of how to conduct culturally responsive research with Black communities in Western Canada. A detailed discussion of each theme that emerged from the study are discussed below.
Engagement in Choosing Research Methodologies
Participants in this study expressed a strong preference for qualitative research methods, noting their ability to foster community engagement and meaningful partnerships. This aligns with Frasso et al. (2018) who emphasize that qualitative methodologies encourage collaboration with community representatives. Consistent with Tenny et al. (2024) participants highlighted that techniques such as interviews, focus groups, and observations provide deeper insights into participants’ experiences, perceptions, and behaviors, making them particularly valuable in community-based research.
However, participants also discussed the challenges of conducting quantitative research with Black populations in Canada, particularly the difficulties in recruiting sufficient sample sizes. They noted that many Black individuals are not engaged in research or fail to participate when invited, which complicates efforts to gather accurate and representative data. Connor et al. (2022) further underscore the importance of involving Black people at various stages of the research process, which can improve recruitment efforts across different age groups and population sizes. These findings suggest that both methodological approaches require careful consideration and tailored strategies to effectively engage Black communities in research.
Engaging Black Communities in Research Roles
The results of this study underscore the critical role of Black community participation in research, emphasizing the need for partnerships between research institutions and community organizations to enhance knowledge production and data collection. These findings align with previous studies that highlight the importance of community engagement in research processes to ensure more meaningful and nuanced outcomes (Ahmed & Palermo, 2010; Cénat, 2022; Durrance-Bagale et al., 2022; Guillemin et al., 2018; Han et al., 2021; Thompson et al., 2021). These results suggest that involving Black community members in research teams can lead to more diverse and meaningful data, enhance community engagement in research initiatives, and build capacity within community organizations for data collection and knowledge production which is similar to other reports (Ahmed & Palermo, 2010; Durrance-Bagale et al., 2022; Black Health Equity Working Group, 2021; Hood et al., 2023; Thompson et al., 2021). This approach fosters reciprocal and equitable relationships between researchers and community members, ensuring that research efforts are relevant, inclusive, and impactful.
Furthermore, the study highlights the various roles that Black community members can play within research teams, including as investigators, research assistants, advisory committee members, and contributors to initiatives beyond traditional research settings. Overall, these results emphasize the importance of collaborative and community-centered approaches to research that empower communities, address research gaps, and promote social equity in knowledge production and dissemination. The study contributes to the advancement of qualitative methodologies by outlining actionable strategies for integrating cultural responsiveness, prolonged engagement, and intersectional perspectives into research design and execution.
Key Engagement Considerations in Data Generation
This study contributes to the growing body of research on intersectionality, emphasizing how intersecting factors—such as race, religion, and sex—shape individuals’ perspectives and experiences (Natalie, 2021). Participants stressed that researchers must remain open-minded to diverse views within the Black community, recognizing that even individuals from similar backgrounds may have vastly different life experiences. Considering intersectionality in health research involving Black and ethnic minority groups is essential to understanding and addressing these variations. This was consistent with Gould et al. (2023), which suggests that improving equity in data requires changes to data processes and commitment to racial and intersectional justice at all levels of the organization. Our findings also highlight the importance of framing research questions as community issues rather than individual problems. Participants noted that Black individuals are more likely to engage in research when the issues are presented as collective challenges. This approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility and community participation (Cooksey & McDonald, 2019).
The final consideration focuses on creating safe spaces for data collection. Participants highlighted that members of the Black community are more likely to share their experiences when they feel safe and respected. Building trust is crucial, and researchers must prioritize participant well-being by fostering relationships, ensuring comfort, and addressing power dynamics that may arise. Guillemin et al. (2018) emphasize the importance of trust and rapport in creating a supportive environment, while Graham et al. (2023) identify mistrust, discomfort, and lack of resources as significant barriers to research participation in historically marginalized groups. Trust can be established during the research process through positive interactions or pre-existing relationships with individuals or organizations (Tamlyn et al., 2023). Ensuring respect and equity in interactions is vital to overcoming these barriers and fostering meaningful engagement with Black communities in research.
Engaging Black Communities in Data Analysis
Our findings underscore the value of directly involving members of the Black community in data collection and analysis to enhance the interpretation and validation of data. The presence of a Black individual during the analysis process prevents misinterpretation and fosters a more accurate understanding of the data collected. These findings align with Breland-Noble et al. (2024) who emphasize that Black people are uniquely positioned to analyze data related to their community due to their lived experiences and deeper familiarity with the nuances of the Black experience.
Research has shown that excluding people of color from the research process results in the erasure of their authentic culture in both the conceptualization and implementation of findings (Hood et al., 2023). This sentiment resonated strongly among participants in our study, who highlighted the importance of involving community members to preserve cultural aspects of the research, such as the appropriate use and interpretation of local languages during data collection. Participants also stressed the need to prioritize feedback from Black community members in cases where direct engagement with the population proves challenging. Such practices validate the accuracy of interpreted results, addressing a key gap highlighted by Cénat et al. (2022), who note the underrepresentation of Black individuals in health research and its implications for cultural competence in the field.
A critical consideration that emerged is the importance of maintaining participant anonymity. Our findings reveal that a major challenge in involving the Black community in health research is the difficulty in safeguarding participants' privacy. The close-knit relationships within Black communities can make it easier for members to identify each other’s stories and experiences. To address this, researchers must use precise and respectful language to describe participants, avoiding stigmatization and upholding ethical standards. This aligns with prior research by Stanbrook and Salami (2023) which highlights the importance of listening to participants and adopting their preferred means of identification to ensure privacy and maintain the integrity of the research process. By emphasizing collaborative data analysis and cultural interpretation, the study sets a precedent for incorporating community expertise into qualitative methodologies, enhancing both validity and inclusivity.
Engaging Black Communities in Knowledge Mobilization
Participant narratives emphasized the importance of involving Black community members in the dissemination of research findings. Traditional dissemination methods, such as academic publications, often have limited reach and fail to engage patients, families, and the broader community (Long et al., 2017). Our findings reinforce the need for innovative dissemination approaches that go beyond peer-reviewed papers to capture the attention of Black community organizations and empower them with practical knowledge for conducting health research.
Participants advocated for combining conventional methods, such as webinars and simplified lay reports, with innovative strategies like workshops, seminars, and in-person meetings. These approaches can make research findings more accessible and relevant to the Black community. Workshops and community gatherings, especially those providing food and practical resources, were highlighted as effective ways to build trust and foster stronger relationships. Such events also ensure that knowledge mobilization efforts resonate with cultural values and community dynamics.
Additionally, participants underscored the importance of involving trusted community stakeholders, such as religious and charitable organizations, in disseminating health information to the Black community. Studies by Cunningham-Erves et al. (2020) and Fareed et al. (2021) support this approach, highlighting how trusted local organizations can enhance the credibility and uptake of health information. Maintaining relationships with the community after the research concludes was also noted as crucial for future collaboration and sustained trust. These strategies not only strengthen the impact of health research but also create a foundation for ongoing community engagement and knowledge sharing.
Our findings align with existing research on culturally responsive methodologies, particularly in the emphasis on community engagement, intersectionality, and trust-building (Ahmed & Palermo, 2010; Cénat, 2022; Durrance-Bagale et al., 2022). However, this study also makes unique contributions by focusing specifically on the Prairie provinces, where systemic inequities are pronounced and Black communities are often underrepresented in research. Additionally, our findings highlight the importance of prolonged engagement and innovative knowledge mobilization strategies, which are less commonly discussed in the literature. These contributions underscore the need for region-specific approaches to culturally responsive research.
Conclusion
This study highlights the importance of culturally appropriate methods for engaging Black communities in research, with a specific focus on Western Canada. Through qualitative interviews with researchers experienced in Black community-focused research, this study identifies key strategies for fostering meaningful participation, addressing systemic barriers, and building trust. By emphasizing the critical roles of community members, the study provides a roadmap for researchers to adopt inclusive and culturally sensitive practices that respect the unique contexts and lived experiences of Black communities. The findings underscore the necessity of sustained engagement, collaborative partnerships, and innovative knowledge mobilization efforts to ensure that research is impactful, equitable, and aligned with community priorities.
The methodological framework presented in this study provides a roadmap for researchers seeking to engage marginalized populations ethically and effectively, marking a significant step forward in the development of culturally responsive research practices.
Limitations and Future Directions
This study has some limitations that should be acknowledged. First, the focus on researcher perspectives, rather than direct community input, may limit the generalizability of the findings. While the researchers interviewed had extensive experience working with Black communities, their perspectives may differ from those of community members who participate in research. Future studies should aim to include the voices of Black community members to provide a more holistic understanding of culturally responsive research practices. Second, the study’s focus on the Prairie provinces may limit its applicability to other regions with different sociocultural contexts. Future research should explore these issues in other Canadian regions to validate and broaden the findings. Finally, while the study emphasizes the importance of prolonged engagement and trust-building, current research funding models often do not support these efforts. Policymakers and funding agencies should consider providing resources for long-term community engagement to ensure that research is truly responsive to community needs.
Implications for Research and Policy
The findings from this study have significant implications for both research practices and policy development. For researchers, the study underscores the need to employ culturally responsive methodologies that prioritize community involvement at all stages—from research design to dissemination. Integrating Black community members as collaborators, advisors, and contributors can enhance data quality and relevance, fostering trust and improving research outcomes. Researchers are encouraged to adopt intersectional approaches, create safe spaces, and engage in prolonged relationships with Black communities to build lasting partnerships.
For policymakers, the study highlights the urgent need for structural support to address systemic barriers that hinder equitable research participation. Policies that provide funding and resources for community-driven initiatives, support capacity building within Black organizations, and prioritize inclusive research practices are critical. Furthermore, frameworks that recognize and reward community-engaged scholarship in academic and funding institutions can promote sustained collaboration and trust-building efforts. By addressing these areas, both research and policy can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable research landscape that centers the voices and experiences of Black communities.
Footnotes
Ethical Approval
We obtained the necessary ethics approval for our study from the University of Alberta Research Ethics Board, with the reference number Pro00119278.
Authors Contribution
B.S. conceptualized the study, conducted the majority of interviews, and contributed to drafting and revising the manuscript. D.A.A. assisted with study conceptualization, conducted some interviews, analyzed the data, contributed to manuscript drafting, and provided key input from the scoping review findings. S.Y. supported study conceptualization, contributed to data collection, collaborated on interpreting the qualitative interviews and writing the final project report, and provided critical feedback during manuscript preparation. A.M. drafted the manuscript, incorporated feedback, made substantial revisions, and oversaw the submission and publication process. M.T. analyzed the data, contributed to writing the results section, and supported interpretation of the findings. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.
Funding
This work was supported by funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
Declaration of Conflicting Interests
The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Data Availability Statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the first author, (BS) upon reasonable request. Access to the data is subject to ethical considerations and any necessary permissions to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of study participants.