Honouring Dr. Jean Augustine – Victoria University

Victoria University in the University of Toronto is honouring Dr. Jean Augustine at the Isabel Bader Theatre as part of its Black History Month celebrations.

Dr. Augustine was the first Black woman elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed as a federal cabinet minister. Her many accomplishments in government include having the month of February officially recognized as Black History Month.

To honour and recognize Dr. Augustine’s lifelong commitment to equality, social justice and inclusive education, a named endowed professorship will be created: The Dr. Jean Augustine Professorship in Transformative Education. This professorship is the first endowed professorship named after a Black Canadian woman across all three U of T campuses and will support the Education & Society program and the Vic One Education stream at Vic. The $2.5 million endowment will support the appointment of a professor who will specialize in transformative pedagogy and will drive progressive curriculum development, introduce new course offerings and forge new community partnerships.

The evening will include a screening of Steadfast: The Jean Augustine Story, with remarks by President Rhonda McEwen and Dr. Augustine. A cocktail reception with live music will follow. Tickets are $100 each.