To close out Black History Month, RRC Polytech in partnership with Black Manitobans Chamber of Commerce, hosted a living legend, the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae for a screening of Steadfast: The Messenger and the Message, the remarkable story of Dr. Jean Augustine who played a key role in the recognition of Black History Month in Canada, among many other notable and incredible achievements.

The Roundhouse Auditorium was full of students, staff, and faculty eager to celebrate the incredible life and career of Dr. Jean Augustine and hear her story from those she met along the way. Guests were lucky enough to hear Dr. Augustine share more of her story and answer questions from the crowd after the screening had concluded.

Dr. Augustine is known as a social activist, educator and trailblazing politician where she made history as the first African-Canadian woman elected to the House of Commons and was responsible for championing unanimous legislation to designate the month of February as Black History Month in Canada and helping to raise the only statue featuring women on Parliament Hill, the Famous Five Monument.

After the event, Dr.  Jean Augustine presented Kirk Johnson, Dean, School of Business, IT & Creative Arts and School of Hospitality & Culinary Arts, with a signed copy of “In Her Words,” a collection of convocation addresses she has delivered at various universities over the years. We hope to find a space at the EDC campus where we can display this gift prominently and proudly.

Thank you to Dr. Zita Somakoko, the Founder and President of Black Manitobans Chamber of Commerce, for reaching out and helping to put together this amazing event and to Dr. Jean Augustine for sharing your story.