An understanding of cultural sensitivity, identity, immigration status, social determinants of health, systemic racism, and economic disparities is required when conducting Community-Based Research (CBR) with Black communities. It is important to recognize the unique experiences and challenges faced by diverse groups within the Black community (Jackson, 2002). Research into maternal health disparities in Black community shows that communication and systemic biases are affecting Black mothers, who face higher risks of negative birth outcomes and maternal morbidity and mortality (Alio et al., 2022). When research involves Black lesbians, an understanding specific cultural and health needs, including stigma, discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, age, cultural norms, and potential rejection is required (Seelman et al., 2017).

Promoting a more equitable research process requires a safe environment where community members can express their needs and strengths. It is important to acknowledge their marginalized status within both the healthcare system and their own community (Seelman et al., 2017). According to Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (2024), most Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) tools forgo the recognition of the systemic nature of anti-Black racism. Rather than integrating these principles into research design and practice, researchers often associate “EDI” with organizational policies, such as human resources. While it is common to analyze research through intersectional approaches that include an anti-Black racism lens, these approaches frequently face resistance or a "culture of pushback." Establishing a guidelines for ethical research undertaken in collaboration with Black communities is crucial. One of the strategic outcomes would be including guidances from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) that promotes intersectional analyses of research design and practice, integrating considerations of anti-Black racism. 

Alio, A. P., Dillion, T., Hartman, S., Johnson, T., Turner, S., Bullock, S., & Dozier, A. (2022). A Community Collaborative for the Exploration of Local Factors Affecting Black Mothers’ Experiences with Perinatal Care. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 26(4), 751–760. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-022-03422-5

Elgazzar, R., Nolan, T. S., Joseph, J. J., Aboagye-Mensah, E. B., Azap, R. A., & Gray, D. M. (2020). Community-engaged and community-based participatory research to promote American Heart Association Life’s Simple 7 among African American adults: A systematic review. PloS One, 15(9), e0238374–e0238374. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238374

Hodges, H. R., Gillespie, S., Cherubini, F. D. S., Ibrahim, S. A., Gibson, H., Ali Daad, A. M., Davis, S. L., Abdi, S. M., Senesathith, V., & Ferguson, G. M. (2024). Ethical Applications of Digital Community-Based Research With Black Immigrant and Refugee Youth and Families. The American Psychologist, 79(1), 9–23. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001191

Jackson F. M. (2002). Considerations for community-based research with African American women. American journal of public health, 92(4), 561–564. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.92.4.561

Phillip, C. R., Mancera-Cuevas, K., Leatherwood, C., Chmiel, J. S., Erickson, D. L., Freeman, E., Granville, G., Dollear, M., Walker, K., McNeil, R., Correia, C., Canessa, P., Ramsey-Goldman, R., & Feldman, C. H. (2019). Implementation and dissemination of an African American popular opinion model to improve lupus awareness: an academic–community partnership. Lupus, 28(12), 1441–1451. https://doi.org/10.1177/0961203319878803
Seelman, K. L., Adams, M. A., & Poteat, T. (2017). Interventions for healthy aging among mature Black lesbians: Recommendations gathered through community-based research. Journal of Women & Aging, 29(6), 530–542. https://doi.org/10.1080/08952841.2016.1256733

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. (2024, May 30). SSHRC's action plan to address anti-Black racism: Phase 1. Retrieved June 29, 2024, from https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/about-au_sujet/edi/plan_black_noir_phase-1-eng.aspx