Photo by michael_swan “Jean Augustine” on Flickr

By Jaden Chiang

Throughout the month of February, Canadians come together to celebrate Black History Month, and honour the culture, development, and heritage of Black Canadians. This year, the theme is “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History Month today and every day.” Our nation’s history is filled with notable figures who paved the way for today’s diversity–helping to shape the story of Canada–and now, the new generation continues the fight for equality. Unity despite our differences makes Canada, Canada.

One pioneer of Black Canadian women in politics is the Honourable Jean Augustine. Most famously, she was the first African-Canadian woman to be elected as a Member of Parliament in 1993, the first African-Canadian woman to be appointed to the federal Cabinet in 2002, and the first Fairness Commissioner of the Government of Ontario in 2007. In fact, Augustine introduced the motion to federally declare February as Black History Month in 1995, which was passed unanimously. But, like many others, the stepping stones of her life and the lives she helped shape–especially children–are a better account of the person she is. 

Born in 1937 in Grenada, Augustine was an A student who began her career as a teacher, despite facing personal and economic adversity from an early age. After arriving in Canada in 1960, she enrolled in Toronto Teachers’ College and began working as an elementary school teacher by 1963. Augustine later attended the University of Toronto with ambitions to advance her prospects; she was then promoted to principal with the TCDSB, where she served until 1988. Outside of the classroom, she was an avid participant in community service; just one of her involvements included volunteering with grassroots organizations to strengthen minority and women’s rights. Augustine continued to uphold her values as she served the Etobicoke-Lakeshore district as Liberal MP in 1993, and again in 1997, 2000, 2002, and 2004. In her crucial role to establish Black History Month, she brought to light the lack of reference to Black Canadians and Indigenous peoples which she witnessed in curriculums as an educator. Augustine continued on to serve in key positions, including Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister of Canada, Chair of the National Liberal Women’s Caucus, and Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women. Augustine’s work for the City of Toronto and Parliament is remembered to be with great passion and charisma, while her devotion to social justice remains strong.
Learn more about Jean Augustine and many other historical Black Canadians here: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month/black-canadians.html

Works Cited

“February is Black History Month.” Canada.ca, Government of Canada, 18 February 2022, https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html. Accessed 21 February 2022.

McLeod, Susanna. “Jean Augustine.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 23 February 2016, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/jean-augustine. Accessed 21 February 2022.

“Noteworthy historical figures.” Canada.ca, Government of Canada, 3 February 2022, https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month/black-canadians.html. Accessed 21 February 2022.