Empowering voices: Advocating for equity and Black excellence in speech-language pathology

Ozi Jones’ inspirational journey into speech-language pathology has been shaped by various intersections of her identity as a Black female professional with lived experiences in academia, the workplace, and as a mother raising three young Black boys.

She shares insights into her academic, and professional life, as well as how her identity and passion for advocacy and equity shape her practice as owner of The Onyx Clinic.

What are the key milestones in your journey as a speech-language pathologist and business owner?

During the third year of my double honours undergraduate degree, I had a chance encounter with a senior Black woman working as an SLP in a community preschool speech and language center. She took the time to ask me about my interests, which at the time were writing, languages, and helping people. I thought I wanted to go into journalism or public relations of some sort; but had no idea of a profession like Speech-Language Pathology. It was not something that the community I grew up in was privy to. This woman spoke of the sparsity within her profession of people who looked like the two of us. She encouraged me to investigate Speech because she thought my interests and skillset aligned well. And then, I never saw her again. I returned looking for her. I wanted to tell her that she had sparked a flame in me that I did not know needed to be ignited. That she had given me direction and passion for a profession. I looked for her, especially when I wanted to seek out volunteer opportunities or ask more questions about what it was like being a Black SLP. But I never saw her. This encounter highlighted the need for more Black representation in the field and inspired me to explore speech-language pathology further.

As a graduate student, I was the only Black person enrolled in my program, which underscored the importance of representation and diversity within the field. I experienced the challenges in seeing myself in the curriculum; given that there is a significant percentage of Black Canadians who had immigrated from the Caribbean since the 1970s who had second-generation children with dialectal influences that were not accounted for in our assessment protocols. Not to mention the population of Black Nova Scotians with dialectal variations distinct from Caribbean diasporans. Back then we used dynamic assessments to cover all the other nuances we encountered clinically. Your ability to implement or interpret assessments is only as effective as the tools you have access to, right?

Serving as the Interprofessional representative for the School of Communication Sciences, I saw firsthand the minimal understanding that other healthcare professionals had regarding our work. This experience fueled my passion for advocacy and equity within the field.

Another significant milestone would be the launch of my small business, the Onyx Clinic. At first, I did not know where this new adventure was going to take me, and some days I know I am still sorting that for myself. However, stepping out with the three pillars of advocacy, education, and community support was a daunting but necessary endeavour. I envision the clinic not only as a provider of speech and language services but also as an information hub for community members navigating our complex healthcare system. The Onyx Clinic serves as a starting point for individuals, particularly people of color, and those with communication challenges, to access resources and support.

Who are the individuals who inspired you?

I have been fortunate to have inspiring mentors who have guided and supported me throughout my journey. Dr. Susan Langmore, an esteemed and well-known SLP, mentored me in clinical knowledge, particularly in dysphagia. Beyond clinical skills, she exemplified that one’s race should not limit their potential. She often reminded me that my superpowers are my confidence, resilience, and strong clinical decision-making abilities.

Dr. Paulette Higgins-Moncrieffe is another key mentor for me. She is a successful Black female Chiropractic Doctor within the Greater Toronto Area. What she demonstrated to me was that value comes through being yourself; do not be afraid to be the unique person you are. With this, your services will have value, and success is achievable.

Finally, my mother has been a constant source of inspiration. Mom reminds me of the value of my story, my experiences, and my work. She encourages me to think freely, transforming our kitchen conversations into innovative business plans and initiatives.

What strategies or training programs do you use to address cultural needs? 

At The Onyx Clinic, we prioritize cultural responsiveness through various strategies and training programs. In addition to offering dialectal assessments and DEI-specific evaluations post-assessment, we conduct workshops on diversity, equity, and inclusion. These programs ensure that our services are tailored to the unique cultural needs of everyone we serve, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

How do you engage with the community during Black History Month?

During Black History Month, The Onyx Clinic actively engages with the community to promote education and awareness. We sponsor initiatives such as the Innisfil Montessori Academy’s Black History Month planning to affect future learning about Black professionals, our history, and our artistry. Additionally, we provide Black History Month lesson plans for schools, addressing the gap in language learning and promoting tangible learning experiences for all students.

What makes you proud of your work?

I take immense pride in the knowledge and experiences gained throughout my journey, navigating various intersections as a Black female professional, mother, SAC board of directors, and DEI committee member. Being able to create positive change and provide culturally responsive services at The Onyx Clinic brings me great satisfaction.

Furthermore, I hope that my advocacy for equity, diversity, and inclusion within the field of speech-language pathology will be a testament to my commitment to advancing social justice and equality. Additionally, serving as a mentor for the School of Rehabilitation SLP program here at McMaster University allows me to give back and support the next generation of diverse professionals in our field.

Any Upcoming Events at The Onyx Clinic?

The Onyx Clinic is excited to announce an upcoming video series in honour of Black History Month. This series will showcase the work of Black Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Audiology business owners from across Canada. Keep an eye out for these inspiring interviews, which will be launched via the Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC)’s YouTube channel and The Onyx Clinic’s website and YouTube channel towards the end of the month

Additionally, The Onyx Clinic will launch a bi-monthly vlog to promote further their mission and the three pillars of our clinic: Education, Advocacy, and Community. Through this series, the aim is to raise awareness by featuring interviews with various healthcare professionals. These interviews will provide valuable insights into their roles, how they intersect with the SLP profession, and how their expertise can benefit BIPOC community members. The Onyx Clinic’s goal is to empower individuals with knowledge about available healthcare services and equip them with the skills to effectively advocate for their own health needs and those of their families.