Recognizing that communities of African descent have been disproportionately affected by planning processes and practices, the Black Experiences with Planning in Canada (BEPIC) research partnership is launching a study to explore the lived experiences of Black communities and planners. BEPIC has been conceptualized by the Black Planning Project, together with community and academic partners in the fields of planning, community building, and Black Studies who are committed to racial and spatial justice. Creating equitable outcomes for Black communities in Canada includes addressing the systemic issues and anti-Black racism rooted in Canadian planning.

Recognizing that communities of African descent have been disproportionately affected by planning processes and practices, the Black Experiences with Planning in Canada (BEPIC) research partnership is launching a study to explore the lived experiences of Black communities and planners. BEPIC has been conceptualized by the Black Planning Project, together with community and academic partners in the fields of planning, community building, and Black studies who are committed to racial and spatial justice.

The goal of the study is to provide conceptual and practical planning tools that are inclusive and create positive outcomes for Black and racialized communities. Through a mixed-methods approach including interviews, oral histories, workshops, focus groups, and surveys, the study will:

By centering the voices and knowledge of Black communities and planners, BEPIC will focus on challenging dominant planning discourses, addressing questions of Black exclusion and anti-Black racism in planning, amplifying community-led planning practices, and informing planning pedagogy and the training of future planners, especially emerging Black planners.