March 8^th, 2022

On March 4^th, 2022, Bond Academy held a virtual presentation via zoom with the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine.  All Grade 7 to 12 students and their parents were invited to attend this special event. 

Dr. Augustine is the first African-Canadian woman elected as a Member of Parliament in Canada's House of Commons. One of her notable achievements was her contribution to designating February as Black History Month in Canada. This virtual event at Bond was a precious opportunity for all students to meet with Dr. Augustine. She gave us an inspiring presentation on the importance of Black History Month and discussed how we can strive for a better society with Bond students during the Q & A section.  

Black History Month is in February but recognizing the contributions that Black Canadians made to Canada is not limited to February, as the 2022 theme for Black History Month states, "February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day."

Thanks to Dr. Augustine for giving us such a wonderful presentation. Thanks also to our Secondary parent, Marsha Brown, for organizing the presentation through the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women's Empowerment. 

In pursuit of social justice: Jean Augustine’s story

Jean Augustine’s story is a testament to the power of hard work and devotion in pursuit of social justice.

She was born in St. George’s, Grenada in 1937. She lost her father at a young age and blossomed into an outstanding young student raised by a wise grandmother. In 1960, already a qualified teacher, she immigrated to Canada on the Canada-Caribbean Domestic Program. With focus, she attended Toronto Teachers’ College before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto. She earned her Masters in Education while working as an elementary school teacher with the Metropolitan Separate School Board in Toronto. She was later promoted to principal, then Supervisory Officer, where she helped shape the lives of a number of young students; all the while deeply involved in grassroots efforts out in the community. She was married and had two daughters who she continued to raise as a single mother.

Ms. Augustine’s contribution expanded to many social causes through her involvement on boards such as that of York University, The Hospital for Sick Children, the Stephen Lewis Foundation and Harbourfront Corporation. She also served as the National President of the Congress of Black Women of Canada. Her capacities and work ethic were recognized by political leaders who began to call upon her for various tasks ranging from the development and launch of Canada's official multiculturalism policy in 1971; to providing advice on cabinet level appointments.