NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA & DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL
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On Thursday, June 8, Georgian College, Orillia campus hosted the Honorable Dr. Jean Augustine.
Dr. Augustine discussed the importance of women in politics and her own experiences swimming upstream in Parliament and the public service. Born in Grenada, she came to Canada in the 1960s to pursue a career in teaching. She soon became an activist for POC and women, a role she has embraced ever since.
Dr. Augustine screened the documentary of her life — STEADFAST: The Messenger and the Message. The film was produced by friends and colleagues in her honour. It had recently been shown at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, African Pavilion, receiving great reviews. The story follows the life and career of Augustine, including her triumphant establishment of Black History month in Canada and her tireless efforts to open doors for youth and women in Canada.
The audience, composed of students and the public, were spellbound during the screening and enthusiastic in their questions and comments afterward. The lively Q&A session was moderated by Debora Opuku-Mulder, manager of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging at Georgian College.
Augustine quickly demonstrated her tenacity, passion, and sense of humour — traits which fueled her success in Parliament and as an advocate for women and girls thereafter.
Her message emphasized the important role of the younger generation as change makers. The audience, eager to speak with Augustine, quickly queued into a long line as Augustine patiently engaged them on a personal level.
The dynamic personality of Dr. Augustine was evident throughout. Murmurs of praise and self-insight could be heard throughout the hallways after the event ended. It is this level of engagement that is sought by the partnership between Georgian College and the Orillia & District Arts Council.
The Orillia & District Arts Council, the Global Engagement Centre, and the Centre for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Georgian College had partnered to offer this free event.
This partnership will continue to offer events of community and global importance. For information on future events check https://www.orilliaartscouncil
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