Federal Government contributes $1.5 million to Jean Augustine Chair at York University

BY PAUL JUNOR

The Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora Endowment at York University (JACECD) has been making a positive difference in the lives of students since 2008.

According to the website: wwwjacendownmentfund.ca, its vision is focused on addressing the systemic barriers and racial inequalities in the Canadian education system, and to engage our youth on a level that bridges their reality and understanding of their identity. Additionally, the Chair is intended to achieve these goals:

• 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
• Build educational and social capacity among students, junior scholars, and community members

In a news release by York University in 2021, it was revealed that out of an endowment goal of $3 million, about $2,044,871 has been raised so far. Furthermore, the Chair was re-launched in August 2016 with the announcement that Dr Carl E. James would be the new Jean Augustine Chair in order to rekindle community participation in the initiative.

York University and the Faculty of Education extended further support of this initiative by matching community contributions (dollar for dollar) up to $500,000.

Dr James is the Senior Advisor on Equity and Representation in the Office of the Vice-President of Equity, People, and Culture. In addition to serving as a Professor of Education he is also cross-appointed in the Graduate Programs in: Sociology, Social and Political Thought.

In April 2022, York University released a press release that revealed that the federal government in its Budget 2022 proposed to allocate $1.5 million in 2022-23 to the Department of Canadian Heritage that would go towards current initiatives at the JACECD. Dr James states, “This federal contribution will ensure the longevity of the Chair and hence the opportunities and pathways that are being created now through the research, education and community activist for Black youth and future Black scholars. It’s rewarding to know the work of the Chair to support Black youth across the country is being recognized and given this important boost by the Canadian government.”

This is an important investment that will ensure that important work continues as this Chair at York University is one of only two that currently exists that is focused on advancing research and increasing knowledge enhancement with respect to initiatives that are related to the Black and African-descended communities.

Amir Asif, Vice-President, Research and Innovation states in the press release, “The funding proposed by the federal government will enable the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora to continue to build on and advance the excellent work being undertaken at York University to support Black scholars and address systemic barriers in education.

The research being undertaken by Professor James is driving positive change for Black youth in Canada, and I’m pleased that the government has decided to support the work of the Chair.”