Ongoing Research Projects
Exploring Preferences and Strategies to increase the Utilization of Adult Day Programs and Senior Community Centres by Black Older Adults in Manitoba
Funding: Social Science and Humanities Research – Insight Development Grants
2025 – 2027
PI: Dr. Blessing Ojembe
Co-PIs: Co Applicants: Dr. Laura Funk, Dr. Luo Hai, Dr. Kalu Michael, Dr. Hoben Matthias
Collaborator: Dr. Mutua Florence
Challenges in Identifying homebound Black older adults and understanding what strategies work: a comprehensive scoping review and qualitative case study in the Greater Toronto Area
Funding: Social Science and Humanities Research – Insight Development Grants
2024 -2026
PI: Kalu ME
Co-PI: Grenier A, Ojembe B
Exploring differential vulnerabilities, decision-making and preparedness during climate change-related weather emergencies among Black and racialized older adults in Winnipeg
Funding: UNIVERSITY RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM (URGP) (University of Manitoba)
2025 – 2027
PI: Blessing Ojembe
Co-PIs: Crawford A, Luo H, Kalu M and Wilson N
Defining Key Elements of Culturally Appropriate Interventions/Strategies for Black Older Adults
Funding: UNIVERSITY COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM (UCRP) (University of Manitoba)
2025 – 2027
PI: Blessing Ojembe
Co-PIs: Funk L, Kalu M, Luo H and Veras M
ROOT CIRCLE WINNIPEG
ROOTS CIRCLE Winnipeg is an ongoing partnership community-based engagement program between BARSN Lab and AfriMama Peace and Cultural Initiative, designed to bring Black and Racialized older adults (BROAs) together with younger generations through meaningful shared experiences. The idea is simple but powerful: create spaces where seniors and youths can spend quality time together, share stories, and learn from one another.
Bridging Mobility Gaps: Co-designing Culturally Appropriate Mobility AI-Powered Wearable (CAMAiW) Tool for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) older adults
Funding: York University & Queens University Connected Mind Seed Grant
2024 -2026
PI: Kalu ME
Co-PI: Ameri S, Ojembe B, and others