We Were not Built to Break

Examining how race and racism affect Black children, youth, and families, the text reveals systemic challenges such as excessive surveillance and separations within child welfare systems. It equips non-Black professionals with culturally relevant insights that honor resilience, identity, and community strength. We Were Not Built to Break: Racially Affirming Care for Black Children, Families, and Communities provides Child and Youth Care workers with a critical understanding of the ways in which race and racism influences the experiences and outcomes of Black children, youth, and families. This book addresses the documented disproportionate representation of Black families in child welfare systems, where they often face excessive surveillance, family separations, and systemic pathologization. Most workers who are involved in the lives of Black children—ECEs, CYCs, social workers, teachers, or healthcare workers—are not from Black communities and are trained using perspectives and curriculum that lack cultural relevance. Recognizing these challenges, this book seeks to provide future workers with brief, easily accessible information to enhance engagement with Black families. Dr. Daniel explores the role of 'race' as a social marker in Canada, examines the impact of racism on Black communities, and introduces alternative frameworks that highlight resilience, cultural identity, and community strength. We Were Not Built to Break is intended for Child and Youth Care, Social Work, ECE, Teacher Education, and Psychology programs within universities and colleges in Canada.