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By LINCOLN DEPRADINE
Dr. Jean Augustine, known by some primarily for her political involvement as the first Black
woman elected to the parliament of Canada, was a school educator before embarking on her
political career.
She earned a Master’s degree in education from the University of Toronto (U of T) that said
Augustine – as a teacher, principal, and supervisory officer – “demonstrated activism and
innovation in empowering those she taught and collaborated with.”
The university’s comment was published as it announced plans to honour Augustine at Victoria
University, which is part of U of T.
Victoria University will be the home of the newly established Dr. Jean Augustine Professorship
in Transformative Education. Funding in support of the program is now ongoing.
“Once fully funded,” according to Victoria University officials, “the professorship will help to
foster a learning environment which works to advance equity, accessibility, and social justice in
education, through transformative practices that will ultimately contribute to creating a more
equitable and inclusive society.”
Grenada-born Augustine, who was MP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore from 1993 to 2006, served as
parliamentary secretary to then Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, as well as Minister of State for
Multiculturalism and the Status of Women.
Augustine, 87, is also well-known for her support and advocacy on issues of equity, justice,
human rights, and diversity.
The professorship in her name was the focus of discussions at a special luncheon meeting on
Monday hosted by Trinidad-born Dr. Rhonda McEwen, president and vice chancellor of Victoria
University.
Augustine has made “awesome contributions” to Canadian society as an “inspirational
trailblazer across multiple disciplines,” said diplomat Gerry Hopkin who attended the meeting.
“Having Dr. Jean Augustine’s name attached to this professorship in transformative education is
indeed most appropriate, given her excellent record of accomplishments which continue to be a
source of pride and inspiration for Grenadians, Caribbeans, and Africans in particular, and for
the entire immigrant community here in Canada,” said Hopkin, Grenada’s consul general in
Toronto.
It’s the first time in U of T’s history that a professorship is being named in honour of a Black
woman.
U of T and Victoria University, in a review of Augustine’s resume as a professional and
volunteer, stated that she has “championed the values of fairness and justice throughout her life.
Growing up in Grenada, she learned the important qualities of belonging, service, sharing, and
giving back. Her focus on community engagement and social causes led her to a long and
successful career working in education and government.
“As an activist, she has devoted herself to making improvements to society and to seeking out
others in the community with whom she could work to advocate for mutually important causes.”
They added that the Dr. Jean Augustine Professorship in Transformative Education will enable
Victoria University and the Education & Society and Vic One Education Streams programs to
engage a leading scholar with a program of research that fosters transformative practices, with
the goal of addressing challenges facing Black Canadians and other communities that have
been historically marginalized within Canada’s education system.
Augustine has welcomed the initiative, which is expected to continue into perpetuity at Victoria
University.
“This professorship honours me, and I feel humbled by it,” she said. “The fact that it will stay in
perpetuity when so many things are fragile and passing, and that it’s here in this place of
learning and teaching, makes me very happy.”
The formal launch of the funding campaign for the professorship will be in February next year
during Black History Month observances.
In the meantime, though, donations are being solicited. Contributions to the professorship can
be made by calling 416-585-4502 or 416-585-4501.
“Please consider a donation in support of The Dr. Jean Augustine Professorship in
Transformative Education at Victoria University,” officials appealed. “Our goal is to raise $2.5
million by April 30, 2025, and, to date, $500,000 has been raised. All gifts will receive a full
charitable receipt and will be recognized in a special campaign listing. All donors with gifts of
$50,000 or more will receive an annual accountability report on the professorship.”
Victoria University has said that the “anticipated outcomes” of the professorship will include
“progressive curriculum development, new course offerings, new community partnerships, and
other innovative solutions and transformative practices with strong societal impact to address
the marked inequalities that exist in our communities.”
This is the second long-term university-based program in Augustine’s name. The Jean
Augustine Chair (JAC) in Education, Community and Diaspora at York University has been in
existence since 2008.
The JAC is fully funded through private and public sector donations, including $1.5 million from
the federal government.
