Black Excellence Beyond Borders: How We’re Making History All Over The World – Essence

Jean Augustine is a social activist, educator, and ground-breaking parliamentarian. She became the first Black woman to be elected to Parliament in Canada in 1993 and has been a steadfast defender of women’s rights, youth rights, and the rights of Black communities.

Among her many accomplishments as a member of parliament, she is the person who championed the historic vote to have February proclaimed as Black History Month in Canada.

Born in St. George’s, Grenada, Dr. Augustine immigrated to Canada in 1960. Although she was a qualified teacher when she arrived, she had to start out as a domestic worker and shoe clerk before earning a Teacher’s Certificate.

An energetic advocate of social justice, she went on to work as the principal of an elementary school before entering politics and supported many social causes through her work with The Hospital for Sick Children and as President of the Congress of Black Women in Canada.

In 2007, Dr. Augustine became the first Fairness Commissioner in Ontario, a position created to ensure that the credentials of internationally trained professionals are evaluated fairly and transparently. She retired in 2015 after eight years at the helm of the agency.

In 2018, she was honored with the Nelson Mandela award by Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union for having made an impactful contribution the advancement of human rights and social justice.

Several Canadian landmarks, including sports complexes, educational institutions, and parks, bear her name. Dr. Augustine is an iconic figure in the history of women of African descent in North America, having dedicated her life to advancing racial and gender equality.