Today, the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, announced a commitment of $1.5 million in funding to the endowment that will sustain the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community, and Diaspora at 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.
The Government of Canada is committed to helping, supporting and investing in Black communities across the country to empower Black-led and Black-serving community organizations and to foster an inclusive society where all individuals have equal opportunities to participate fully in economic, cultural, social and political aspects of life.
Through a comprehensive whole-of-government approach, the government is also committed to combatting anti-Black racism while addressing the systemic barriers that Black Canadian communities and other racialized and religious minority populations have faced and continue to face, and which prevent them to realize their full potential.
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. This dedicated effort is crucial in rectifying disparities and forging a more inclusive and equitable educational environment in Ontario and in Canada.
