Jean Augustine Chair receives $1.5 million in pledges from the Canadian Government

BY PAUL JUNOR

On Thursday, November 2^nd, 2023, an announcement was made at York University regarding funding for the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora. It has been fifteen years now since the Chair was established under the leadership of Professor Carl E. James. The focus of the Chair has been on overcoming systemic obstacles, and racial inequalities that are present in the education system throughout Canada. It has been a leader in developing, implementing, and recommending educational programs and strategies to close these academic deficits in order to improve the educational outcomes and career prospects of BIPOC students.

It was in 2008 that the Jean Augustine Chair was launched, making it the second of two endowed University Chairs in Canada dedicated to: research and knowledge mobilization endeavours on Black and African descended communities. The Chair seeks to:

• Foster an understanding of the diverse cultural and educational needs of students
• Facilitate leadership of matters of access, equity, inclusivity and social justice
• Strengthen university-community partnerships and engagement
• Build educational and social capacity among students, junior scholars and community members

In the press release, Professor James states, “This federal contribution will ensure the longevity of the Chair and hence the opportunities and pathways that are being created now through the: research, educational, and community activities for Black youth and future Black scholars. It’s rewarding to know the work of the Chair to support Black youth across the country is being recognized and given this important boost by the Canadian government.”

It was on April 12^th, 2022, in a press release from York University that it was announced that Budget 2022 proposes to provide $1.5 million in 2022-23 to the Department of Canadian Heritage for a federal contribution towards an endowment which would support the ongoing activities of the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora.

Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, made the announcement of the $1.5 million in funding to sustain the Chair. The funding announcement coincided with the showing of the film “Steadfast” at the Price Family Cinema. The film is a testament to the power of perseverance, courage, and the unwavering commitment to fighting for the rights of women, African Canadians and the socially disadvantaged.

Minister Khera states, “Having access to equal opportunities and a brighter future should not depend on the color of your skin, or your origins. Our government is committed to dismantling systemic barriers wherever they persist in our country.”

The Minister acknowledged that there are multiple benefits from the collaboration of organizations that are vested in enhancing the academic and educational potential of Black students and other racialized communities. She adds, “Partnering with organizations like the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community, and Diaspora, we are creating pathways to education for Black youth and future Black scholars, thereby building a stronger, more prosperous Canada.”

Rhonda L. Lenton, President and Vice–Chancellor of York University expressed gratitude for the additional funding. She states, “We are grateful for the generous support of the Government of Canada, which will build on the legacy and vision of the esteemed Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine and enable the Chair to continue in perpetuity-fostering the success of current and future Black scholars and students, and addressing systemic barriers to advance access, equity and inclusivity in education.”

Dr. Jean Augustine is particularly happy that the federal government stepped up to the table and decided to provide this extra funding. She observes, “Since 2008, we have been diligently raising funds to secure this vital community resource. The generous donation we received has allowed us to reach our goal, and our community is deeply grateful for this invaluable contribution.”