After playing a lead role on the acclaimed children’s show Today’s Special, she hosted Eye on Toronto then became a news anchor, and later wrote biographies of Black North Americans for the Canadian Encyclopedia
South Algonquin Library to host author talk with Linda Hutsell-Manning Sept. 5 bancroftthisweek.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bancroftthisweek.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Jean Augustine
Photo Credit: jeanaugustine.ca
Jean Augustine opened the door for Black Canadians entering politics and was fundamental in the recognition of Black History Month in Canada.
She was the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons in 1993 as the Member of Parliament for the constituency of Etobicoke-Lakeshore. She served until 2006.
In 1995, Augustine introduced a motion in the House of Commons to officially recognize February as Black History Month in Canada. The motion was carried unanimously.
She was appointed Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women and became the first Black woman appointed to Cabinet on May 26, 2002.