Carol Henry: Black History Month Spotlight

Black History Month highlights contributions that may not always receive mainstream recognition. As a faculty member of the University of Saskatchewan for over twenty-five years, my identity as a Black woman has shaped the lenses through which I’ve navigated my tenure. However, my journey and perspectives are multi-layered. Coming from an often underrepresented background in academia, I have had to assert my presence, advocate for inclusivity, and sometimes create entirely new spaces to ensure representation. This experience has strengthened my commitment to mentorship, equity, and the pursuit of knowledge that challenges systemic barriers. Being Black in academia informs the questions I ask, the methodologies I employ, and the way I engage with students and colleagues. It has made me particularly attuned to the importance of representation and the impact of diverse voices in shaping research and pedagogy.

It's important to note that my perspective is enriched by the dual role I often play—as a scholar and a bridge for students from marginalized backgrounds who may not always see themselves reflected in their disciplines. I recognize the responsibility that comes with this position and am intentional about fostering spaces where diverse perspectives are valued and nurtured. While there have been challenges, such as implicit biases and systemic obstacles, my identity has also been a source of resilience and motivation. It pushes me to contribute meaningfully to my field, ensuring that research, policy, and academic discourse become more inclusive and reflective of diverse experiences.

When I embarked on my research journey, I did not set out to focus on race. My primary goal was to understand and address the needs of communities grappling with food insecurity, malnutrition, and livelihood concerns. I have always believed that real-world problems should guide research, the voices of those often unheard, and the need to create solutions that empower rather than merely diagnose challenges. However, as I advanced in my career, I came to recognize how my unique perspective affected my research approach. The intersections of race, food security, and global inequities became more apparent in my work. My lived experiences and academic training provided a lens through which I could critically examine the historical and systemic factors contributing to disparities in food access and nutrition. My longevity in academia has made me acutely aware of the importance of representation, cultural context, and inclusive research methodologies that center the voices of the communities I work with.

Global Research and Equity in Food Systems: Since 2005, I have led nutrition-related research, teaching, and development projects across Africa, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. My expertise spans food systems, international public health nutrition, and the socio-economic factors affecting food security, flourishing, and well-being. One of my most significant long-term projects has been a twenty-year multidisciplinary research program in Ethiopia, collaborating with Hawassa University and the University of Saskatchewan. This project was recognized internationally and funded by the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF) in association with the International Development Research Centre and Global Affairs Canada. It exemplifies research that bridges knowledge gaps while centering on local expertise and solutions.

This work is rooted in an understanding that food systems solutions, resilience, and nutrition outcomes are not just a matter of production and consumption but are deeply intertwined with historical injustices, environmental sustainability, and socio-political structures. Farmers in the Global South, for instance, have long been at the forefront of agricultural innovation. Yet, they remain marginalized within global food systems due to land dispossession, discriminatory policies, and economic exclusion. My research addresses these inequities by promoting community-driven solutions and resilience-based approaches.

Research Highlights:

• Canada: Continued work with local Saskatchewan communities to promote healthy lifestyles among vulnerable populations, including children and youth. This has included work with CHEP and local school systems.
• Uganda & Canada (Northwest Territories): Led a socio-economic study on human flourishing in high school students, examining physical, mental, and cultural factors influencing well-being. This project, funded by the World Templeton Foundation, is the first to investigate flourishing beyond the traditional colonial lens. My work has led to applied lessons from international and local projects. Community research focuses on enhancing food security through community-based participatory approaches, integrating nutrition education, and leveraging advanced technologies to promote safe and healthy food products.
• Trinidad and Tobago: In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the University of the West Indies, we developed a curriculum-integrated program to promote healthy lifestyles in schools. This program incorporates healthy eating, nutrition, and physical activity and has measurable impacts on student learning outcomes. This work is integrated within the broader Caribbean Community (CARICOM) educational curricula.
• Dominica: In collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Agriculture, we investigated barriers and opportunities for improving schoolchildren’s nutrition through culturally appropriate and economically viable solutions driven by women.
• Ethiopia: In collaboration with Hawassa University, the College of Agriculture and BioResources (University of Saskatchewan), and other partners, led initiatives combining improved agricultural practices with human nutrition programs, reaching over 70,000 farm households. These efforts contributed to Ethiopia’s national health and agricultural policies and empowered women through cooperative training in marketing and finance.

A Story of Resilience: Lessons from the Field: One of the most defining moments of my research journey came from working with smallholder farmers in a rural community deeply affected by climate change. A farmer told me, “We need knowledge and tools to work with nature, not against it.” This statement reinforced my belief that resilience is about adaptation, innovation, and reclaiming agency over food systems.

Through our work, we explored climate-smart agricultural practices, such as drought-resistant crops, Indigenous farming techniques, and food preservation methods to enhance food security. This approach emphasizes that communities already have valuable knowledge—we, as researchers, must listen, engage, and collaborate rather than impose solutions.

The Role of Representation in Research and Academia: I understand the importance of representation in academia and research leadership. Historically, Black voices have been underrepresented in shaping global food policy and research narratives. My presence in this field is about personal success and paving pathways for other scholars and students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Through my mentorship and leadership in various global and local research initiatives, I strive to create opportunities for students—especially those from marginalized and racialized communities—to engage in food security research, applied human nutrition programs, and international study exchanges. I take pride in mentoring the next generation of scholars and ensuring that diverse perspectives are integrated into academic discourse.

Bridging Research, Climate Resilience, and Equity: My academic journey has been about creating a tangible impact. My work extends beyond academia into real-world solutions by ensuring that food systems are resilient in climate change, advocating for equity in food access, and uplifting historically marginalized communities. Occupying this space in academia has allowed me to challenge existing paradigms, bring a culturally informed perspective to global food security, and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive approach to research.

MORE: https://spotlight.usask.ca/black-history-month/black-history-month.php