TORONTO – Did you know the first Black woman was elected to Canada’s Parliament in 1993? That’s less than 30 years ago! Dr. Jean Augustine was not only Canada’s first Black female MP, but she was also the MP who pushed forward the motion to have February recognized as Black History Month in Canada.
“Black History Month was created in 1926 by someone named Carton G. Wilson in the United States,” Dr. Augustine explained.
“And of course in Canada, we copy whatever happens in the United States,” Augustine joked with Brandon.
“The African-Americans have been celebrating Black History Month since 1926. By the time I got to the Parliament of Canada I wanted us to look at our history as African-Canadians because our history is rich,” Augustine continued.
Augustine explained that despite that rich history, she knew that it wasn’t being taught in schools. Before joining politics, Augustine began her career in the world of education. She first worked as a teacher before becoming a principal, and later worked for the school board.
“When I came to Canada in 1960 I saw there were so very few African-Canadians, and fewer African-Canadians in places of authority, in places of decision making, and at the same time there were many many activists. People who were advocating to make things better,” Augustine explained.
“So I came and I joined and engaged myself in the fight for social justice, equality, and equity,” Dr. Augustine said.
Less than 30 years ago, she walked the halls of Canada’s Parliament as the first Black female MP and Dr. Augustine admits that it was challenging.
“You look at that place built by men, to do men’s work. But I came prepared,” she told Brandon.
“You learn not to be provoked into responses because you know, ‘the angry Black woman’” Augustine remembers.
“I wanted to win the war. I didn’t have enough ammunition to fight every single battle, so I picked my battles,” she continued.
She also remembers people being less than welcoming when she first proposed the motion to make February Black History Month. She recalls people asking when they would see “White History Month” recognized.
In the end, she led the legislation to have February recognized as Black History Month, which received a unanimous vote in 1995. Legendary.
