Former MP Jean Augustine (right) with Pastor Veta Saunders at Black History month celebration.
By Tanya Vividly
Former politician and community activist Jean Augustine was a Black History Month speaker at a fundraiser for youth and kids programs.
The event was held on February 25 at the St Josaphat Catholic School auditorium, on Tenth Street.
Pastor Veta Saunders, of Etobicoke Praise Centre, said Augustine helped to uplift many young minds and fans of all ages by her deeds.
Hon. Jean Augustine was the keynote speaker at the fundraising event.
Proceeds raised went to the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment, on Portland Street, that works with girls aged from 7 to 17, who attend school programs, workshops and camps.
Augustine was the first African Canadian woman elected as a Member of Parliament in 1993 to represent the riding of Etobicoke Lakeshore. She was instrumental in getting Black History Month recognized in Canada.
She served as the Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women in the Cabinet of Canada from 2002 to 2004 and was the Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Jean Chretien from 1994 to 1996. Before her election, she had been a school principal.
She was a former National President of the Congress of Black Women, former chair of the Metro Toronto Housing Authority and was Ontario’s first Fairness Commissioner in 2007.
The musical segments of the event included the EPC Gospel Singers, singer Vereen Whitton-Mcdonald and students performing songs of faith that helped to transform the crowds’ experience of joy, togetherness and audience participation.
To find out about upcoming events and or when to visit the church check out their website www.etobicokepraisecentre.ca or call the office: 416-253-9140
Jean Augustine is a mentor to many young girls and her organization helps many local girls.
In related Black History Month news, the City of Toronto’s Executive Committee approved the naming of City assets after Black activist Dudley Laws, civil rights lawyer Charles Roach, Chloe Cooley, who fought against being enslaved in 1793 and successful 1840s Black construction company owner John M. Tinsley.
Their names will be considered to replace that of Henry Dundas, who was linked to the slave trade, at the Jane Dundas Public Library, Dundas TTC subway station, Dundas Street and other facilities.