WHO WE ARE









Mission Statement:
The mission of the Black and Racialized Seniors Neighborhood Lab is to amplify marginalized voices of older adults, promote social justice, and create actionable solutions to improve their well-being.
Vision Statement:
Our vision is to create an inclusive and equitable society where the aging experiences of Black, racialized, and Indigenous seniors are recognized and addressed, empowered, their voices heard, and systemic barriers to health, equity, and justice are dismantled, ensuring a dignified aging process for all.
Core Values:
Our core values draw largely from the Social Work values of social justice, empowerment and inclusivity, community collaboration, service to humanity, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, mentorship and integrity.

Methodological Expertise
Qualitative Inquiries & Co-production: Collaborating with stakeholders to co-create tailored solutions that reflect community needs and priorities using methodologies such as narrative inquiry, CBPR, phenomenology, case study and others.
Mixed and Multi-method Approaches: Combining qualitative and quantitative methods to capture holistic insights into complex research questions. We are also experts at conducting evidence syntheses using scoping and systematic reviews to inform best practices and provide a foundation for future research and policy development.
Community-Engaged and Reflexive Research Practices: Advocating for and engaging participatory and community-informed methodologies, especially when working with immigrant, Black, and racialized older populations.
Explore Ways to Get Involved
Interested Participants: Take a look at our research project and contact Dr. Blessing Ojembe @barsnlabgmail.com or blessing.ojembe@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-871 to share your interest in participating in our ongoing studies.
Prospective Lab Members: Explore the Home page and feel free to reach out regarding potential opportunities to join the Barsn Lab. We’re always excited to welcome passionate individuals who are eager to contribute to impactful research and be part of a collaborative team.
Regional Impact of Our Research
Our groundbreaking research has made a significant difference across Canada and Sub-Saharan Africa, addressing critical issues. Her work has contributed to advancing knowledge, shaping policies, and improving lives in these regions.
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Latest Info
- Dr. Blessing Ojembe Awarded SSHRC Grant for Black Older Adults Research 🎉We are delighted to congratulate Blessing Ugochi Ojembe-Echeme Ph.D, MSW,… Read more: Dr. Blessing Ojembe Awarded SSHRC Grant for Black Older Adults Research 🎉
- Publication AlertProud to share Dr. Blessing Ojembe work examining how racialized… Read more: Publication Alert
- Publication AlertLoneliness, Family Devotion, Care Provision, and Gendered Façades Among Black… Read more: Publication Alert
- Researchers NeededResearchers from University of Manitoba and York University are looking… Read more: Researchers Needed