Jean Augustine Chair in Education at York U gets $1.5M boost

(From left) Dean Robert Savage, Faculty of Education, York University;
Professor Carl E. James; Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion & Persons with Disabilities; Dr. Jean M. Augustine; Arielle Kayabaga, MP for London-West, and Rhonda L. Lenton , President of York University.

The Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora is dedicated to tackling the systemic barriers and racial disparities present in the Canadian education system. Its primary goal is to improve educational outcomes for Black students and other racialized community members by addressing the barriers that impede the achievement of their educational and career ambitions.

Last Friday Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion ensured the programme’s success by committing $1.5 million in funding to the Jean Augustine Chair.

In making the announcement, Khera said: “Youth are the leaders of today. 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. 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.”

Established in 2008, the Chair plays a pivotal role in initiating, facilitating, directing and participating in research, educational programs and community partnerships that are culturally responsive and closely aligned with the educational and social needs, interests, expectations and aspirations of Black communities.

Following the minister’s announcement, Jean Augustine responded: “We are incredibly pleased to witness the strong support for our community

From left: Dr. Jean M. Augustine, Professor Carl E. James, Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion & Persons with Disabilities and Arielle Kayabaga, MP for London-West

Rhonda L. Lenton , President of York University, Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion & Persons
with Disabilities; Dr. Jean M. Augustine; Professor Carl E. James.

chair. 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.”

Since 2008, the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community, and Diaspora, housed at York University, has been focused on addressing the systemic barriers and racial inequalities in the Canadian education system to improve educational outcomes for Black students.