Introduction

Founded in 2006, Think 2wice (T2) is a nonprofit organization that provides trauma informed, culturally relevant supports, programming and initiatives to individuals and communities impacted by incarceration, trauma, sudden and traumatic loss, grief, gun and gang violence. In working with victims and perpetrators of violence, trauma and grief, Think 2wice provides therapeutic supports and engagements through case management, workshops, participatory programming, the arts, music, theatre, film, story sharing, mentorship and spirituality. Think 2wice’s trademark is supporting individuals to think twice and challenge negative mindsets while building positive leaders in the community.

Headquartered in Northwest Toronto, Think 2wice works to assist in eliminating the impact of inequality and social injustice amongst racialized individuals in the criminal justice system. Founded with the intention of preventing and intervening in the rising gun violence within the city, one of our strategies was to provide programming and supports to Black federally incarcerated inmates. In 18 years of operation and with approximately 20 partners, we have provided supports while addressing the cultural, spiritual and social needs of Black offenders in multiple federal institutions; Collins Bay (maximum, medium and minimum sites), Warkworth, Beavercreek (medium and min), Joyceville and Millhaven, J-Unit (maximum). In providing these supports we found the correlation between incarceration and gun violence in the community. We also found that there was a lack of culturally relevant programming addressing the unique issues that Black inmates face and therefore affecting their successful rehabilitation and reintegration. This opened the door to our work with advocacy and awareness.

Think 2wice supported an approved motion for Toronto Public Health to recognize Community Violence as a social determinant of health. In 2019 Think 2wice presented to the Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights on the conditions and inequalities faced by federally incarcerated Black inmates. In early 2021, Think 2wice was contracted by the Department of Justice Canada (JUS) to conduct a series of interviews with Black individuals with lived experience in the youth justice system. This initiative was a part of the federal government’s broader efforts under Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, 2019-2022 CARS, the International Decade for People of African Descent and the Anti-Racism Secretariat (ARSEC). Contributing toward the Youth Justice Strategy, we provided a report and recommendations that highlighted challenges and experiences of Black youth in the Justice system.