Luminaries in their fields, this year’s Hon Docs will be honoured during Spring 2024 Convocation ceremonies, running from May 28 to June 5

Ten exceptional individuals will receive honorary degrees from McGill as part of Spring 2024 Convocation ceremonies. This year’s recipients represent a diverse array of leaders whose contributions span disciplines, industries, and continents.

“The conferral of an honorary degree, McGill’s highest honour, is both a recognition of the transformative power of individual achievement and a celebration of the values and aspirations that unite our community,” said Deep Saini, President of McGill. “Each a poignant testament to the limitless possibilities of human endeavour, our honorary doctorate recipients are wonderful role models for the Class of 2024, and an inspiration to us all.”

Carl James: Doctor of Letters, honoris causa (D.Litt.) Faculty of Education (May 30, 3 p.m.)

Carl James is a distinguished scholar and advocate for equity and diversity in education and society. Coming to Canada from the Caribbean in the early 1970s, he has dedicated his career to researching and addressing issues of race, immigration, and education.

The Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora, at 91��ɫ, James is a former founding Director of the 91��ɫ Centre for Education and Community. He also served as the Senior Advisor on Equity and Representation in 91��ɫ’s Office of the Vice-President of Equity, People and Culture; and presently serves as the Equity Advisor to the Dean in the Faculty of Education.

James is renowned for his groundbreaking body of research in Black education in Canada, and in multicultural and anti-racist education worldwide.

Read the full article on the .

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The debate over what to seems to finally have an answer: city council voted on "Sankofa Square."

Coun. Chris Moise's square renaming motion passed 19-2 on Thursday evening, days after the advisory committee that was in charge of developing a shortlist of new names for Dundas Street unanimously voted on "Sankofa" as a top contender for the new name.

But one expert is questioning how this will actionably translate into a more inclusive society.

"How are we going to really make this name represent the change we're going after?" asks Carl James, 91��ɫ professor and the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora.

The original proposal was to  as of Thursday morning, replaced instead with a proposal to  that bear Henry Dundas’s name. The 18th-century Scotsman reportedly helped delay the end of the slave trade.

According to Moise's motion, the 20-member renaming advisory committee set up in 2021 and composed of Black and Indigenous leaders as well as Dundas Street residents, unanimously decided earlier this week that Yonge-Dundas Square should be renamed “Sankofa Square.”

Read the full article on the .

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A dedicated educator, a tireless social activist and a passionate politician; few members of the 91��ɫ community have had as extraordinary and lasting impact on society as the Honourable Jean Augustine, Canada’s first Black woman to be elected to the House of Commons and the first to be appointed to federal cabinet.

Last week, community members joined Augustine at 91��ɫ’s Keele Campus to celebrate an announcement of funding from the federal government to support the endowed university Chair in her name.

The Hon. Kamal Khera, Canada’s Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities delivered the news, “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,” she said. “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.”

The $1.5 million federal contribution represents a major milestone for the endowed Chair – now fully funded with more than $3 million, thanks in large part to many years of dedicated grassroots fundraising efforts led by Augustine, supported by her devoted network, and backed by matching funds provided by the University.

President Rhonda Lenton delivered heartfelt remarks on behalf of 91��ɫ, reflecting on the importance of the work the Chair will support, including scholarly research, programs, partnerships and new opportunities for Black communities in Toronto and beyond.

“We are grateful for the generous support of the Government of Canada which will build on Jean Augustine’s legacy and vision 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,” Lenton said.

Augustine paid tribute to those who have supported her vision over the years, “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,” she said.

The announcement follows a history of determined fundraising since the Chair was established. Efforts led by Jean Augustine herself, and community-inspired efforts like the in 2021 ensured success in raising $1.08 million towards the endowment, which was then matched with a further $1.08 million by the University.

Prof. Carl James, who currently holds the Chair, and Faculty of Education Dean Robert Savage also spoke to those gathered, including Member of Parliament Arielle Kayabaga, and former Dean of the Faculty of Education Paul Axelrod, among many esteemed community members, partners and advocates.

James is the current Chair and a recently appointed distinguished research professor in the Faculty of Education. His work builds on Augustine’s vision. A renowned researcher and prolific writer, James is widely recognized for his research contributions and for leading efforts to enhance educational and social outcomes for Black youth across Canada. His groundbreaking research on streaming – the exercise of choosing between ‘applied’ or ‘academic’ courses, found to disproportionately affect Black students – ultimately led to the provincial government ending the practice in Ontario high schools.

The real-life impact of this work was evident at a free documentary film screening later in the day at the Price Family Cinema on 91��ɫ’s Keele Campus, where students from James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School and Monsignor Percy Johnson Catholic School cheered in a standing ovation after receiving news that the Chair had been fully funded.

The documentary Steadfast – The Messenger and the Message, follows Augustine’s journey “from Happy Hill to Parliament Hill,” and traces her beginnings as a teacher in Grenada and deep connection to her Caribbean roots. The film highlighted how her early experience informed her work and social activism in Canada – from establishing Black History Month in Canada in 1995, to the community-engaged work the Jean Augustine Chair advances today.

Initiatives like the Day at 91��ɫ program (providing Black students enrolled in grades 7-12 an opportunity to explore their post-secondary education options) or the Black Internship Program (Co-op) Credit (designed to increase Black leadership and education engagement through skills development and experiential learning) are only two examples of how Augustine’s legacy has shaped the University and neighbouring communities in positive ways.

In a post-screening conversation with bestselling author and fellow , Augustine reflected on both her age and her impressive list of accolades and accomplishments: “You can’t put 86 years into 57 minutes, but we tried.” More than 60 years since arriving in Canada, Augustine’s impressive legacy continues to grow – outpaced only by her passion for public service, community, and the power of education.

Article originally published in the November 10, 2023 issue of

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are just as educated as the rest of the country overall but is shedding light on how cultural barriers may be driving differences in education levels between different generations in Black communities.

A closer look at the data on racialized groups released Jan. 18 shows there are significant differences in the education levels among working-aged Black people who have recently entered the country, and those who are third-generation Canadians or more.

The data showed Canada’s Black population was just as likely to have achieved a bachelor’s degree or higher from a university – whether in Canada or abroad. While the national average sits at 32.9 per cent, for Canada’s Black community, it is at 32.4 per cent.

Professor Carl James, the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora at 91��ɫ’s Faculty of Education noted the cultural barriers preventing some Black students from attending university.

While financial issues are present, he also said familial support for education, as well as teacher encouragement, makes a difference for students during their K-to-12 education.

“If you have these ideas about the students you’re teaching, that will influence how you think and how you work with the students,” Carl James said, pointing at teacher bias and how that could impact their commitment to students who they think don’t have a shot of attending university.

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Presented as part of the Faculty of Education's Summer Institute (FESI 2020-21), the event features panelists who will discuss the similarities, relatedness and commonalities in the educational experiences, attainments, opportunities and possibilities of Black student in various regions in Canada.

The panel of educators who currently work as teachers and administrators in school boards in six Canadian cities, will enlighten participants about issues and concerns of educators, students, parents and community members pertaining to what schooling and education has been like – and continues to be – for them. This presents an opportunity to learn about what has been happening across the country because of the social structures and systemic oppressions they face.

The panel includes:

• Beth Applewhite, district vice-principal of equity, diversity and inclusion, Burnaby School District, B.C
• Lethisha Andrews, educator, Pearson Adult and Career Centre, Quebec
• Karen Hudson, prinicpal, Auburn Drive High School, Cole Harbour, N.S.
• Gail-Ann Wilson, teacher, Edmonton Public School, Alta.
• Ainsworth Morgan, principal, Toronto District School Board, Toronto, Ont., and co-founder, 100 Strong Foundation
• Moderator: Camille Williams-Taylor, director of education, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Ont.

This discussion takes place at a time when the world, and Canada in particular, is concerned with – and must address – the impact of the inequities in the economic, social, health, and educational situation of Black and other racialized students. While all educators – whether working directly in education, or parallel to education – have a responsibility to equitably serve the needs, interests and ambitions of Black students, in reality, much of the work falls on the shoulders of Black educators. All educators must address the realities of anti-Black racism that operates in school boards as barriers to the success of Black students.

Engaging in community-referenced discussions with practitioners who are at the forefront of addressing and dismantling barriers to Black students’ schooling engagement and educational achievement, some of the questions that will be raised include:

1. What are the social and educational experiences of Black students, families, and communities in their respective local and regional contexts that are of concerns to educators? How are educators responding? What are the results of their efforts?
2. How are educators and administrators disrupting or enabling anti-Black racism?
3. How are members of Black communities resisting white supremacy and anti-Black racism in schooling?
4. Are there school-community partnerships that are helping to enhance school- parents community relationship and therefore helping to enrich classroom engagement and learning?
5. What practical steps must be employed by all involved in education to address barriers to Black student success?

This event is being presented by the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora (91��ɫ) and is co-sponsored by the Administrators' Black Caucus of Ontario, FESI 2020-21 and the Faculty of Education at 91��ɫ.

Register online at . The webinar session URL will be sent once your registration has been received.

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Influenced by the racial bias of educators, many students who do choose the non-academic stream are unaware of the consequences and often have to deal with a lifetime of obstacles because of it.

Almost 60 years after academic streaming was introduced to Ontario in , the province has declared it to be a racist practice. Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce the province plans to follow the rest of the country and eliminate streaming by next school year, meaning future high school students will no longer have to make such a monumental decision at such a young age.

This follows publication of a major 2017 report, chock full of evidence supporting long-standing claims that Ontario’s Black students face systemic racism in school. Towards Race Equity in Education, written by 91��ɫ professor Carl James and diversity consultant Tana Turner, highlights severe rates of underachievement among Black students in the Toronto District School Board.

The report had a particular focus on the unique difficulties that Black males face in Ontario’s education system, such as the enduring effects of negative stereotyping.

Read the full article on the .

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When former MP Jean Augustine (LLD '11) was elected to the Parliament of Canada in 1993, she brought with her the hopes of her community, the voices of those she advocated for and the aspirations of her ancestors. As the first Black woman elected as a Member of Parliament, she was automatically catapulted to the status of role model for the millions who would come after her.

In 1995, Augustine single-handedly championed the unanimous vote to officially designate February as Black History Month in Canada. 

Now in her 80s, Augustine continues to advocate for the causes that are important to her, including the initiative to fully endow the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora at 91��ɫ.

One of only two endowed university Chairs in Canada dedicated to research and knowledge mobilization endeavours on Black and African-descended communities, the Jean Augustine chair seeks to:

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

Recent world events have brought to the forefront the need for leaders, communities, businesses and individuals to take action to combat systemic racism and advocate for social justice issues globally. Canada is not immune to the reality of racism and how it can marginalize and disenfranchise those most vulnerable. Education is one of the keys to driving long-lasting, fundamental change in Black and other racialized communities across Canada.

Learn more about the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora and how you can contribute here. To read more about Jean Augustine’s life and work, .

This is a modified version of the original article published in the February 8, 2021 issue of .

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When former MP Jean Augustine (LLD '11) was elected to the Parliament of Canada in 1993, she brought with her the hopes of her community, the voices of those she advocated for and the aspirations of her ancestors. As the first Black woman elected as a Member of Parliament, she was automatically catapulted to the status of role model for the millions who would come after her.

Now in her 80s, Augustine continues to advocate for the causes that are important to her, including the initiative to fully endow the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora at 91��ɫ.

That’s why, when Augustine contacted Sheldon Pitt – better known as Solitair, a recognized music producer and community activist – in June 2020, to ask him to revive the campaign to fully endow the Chair, he knew to take her request seriously. Having grown up referring to her as his “Auntie Jean,” Solitair had seen her advocacy and determination firsthand and had heard her stories about the challenges and successes she had experienced as he grew up.

“My parents grew up with ‘Auntie Jean’ in Grenada, so I had spent many holidays as a child listening to them reminisce and share stories over meals,” said Solitair. “One thing that always resonated for me was the idea that having a voice on the important issues really matters. So when my ‘Auntie Jean’ explained the significance of the chair, I knew it was an opportunity for me to help ensure that the voice she, and as so many others, had given to issues like diversity and education could continue indefinitely.”

To assemble his team, Solitair wanted people who he knew would be just as passionate about continuing Augustine’s legacy as he was, so he recruited long-time friends, Jennifer Seif and Willona Fraser, both 91��ɫ alumni, to form the Jean Augustine Chair Endowment Fund (JACEF) Committee. In October 2020, the team of volunteers launched a social media campaign called "Bridge for Change" to help build awareness, educate the public and start a discussion about the work of the Chair.

Augustine envisions a Chair that is “for the people, by the people”, so the JACEF Committee launched the campaign into high gear with the “25K in 25 Days” initiative, which aims to highlight the 25th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada by raising $25,000 towards the endowment fund in 25 days from community sources during the month of February. To strengthen that goal, corporate sponsor Accenture will match all community donations to the fund throughout the month.

One of only two endowed university Chairs in Canada dedicated to research and knowledge mobilization endeavours on Black and African-descended communities, the Jean Augustine chair seeks to:

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

Recent world events have brought to the forefront the need for leaders, communities, businesses and individuals to take action to combat systemic racism and advocate for social justice issues globally. Canada is not immune to the reality of racism and how it can marginalize and disenfranchise those most vulnerable. Education is one of the keys to driving long-lasting, fundamental change in Black and other racialized communities across Canada.

“Continuing Jean’s legacy is much bigger than the committee or 91��ɫ,” said  Solitair. “It falls to all those she has motivated to claim their seat at the table with her boldness, her strength and her ability to think beyond the bounds of what is expected to what is possible.”

Learn more about the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora and how you can contribute here. To read more about Jean Augustine’s life and work, .

Article from the February 8, 2021 issue of .

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