On Sunday, 9 September 2017, Hundreds of guests came to celebrate Augustine's eight decades of accomplishments (many of which are recorded in her fonds!). During her birthday speech, Jean Augustine shared her pride in preserving her records at York University Libraries.
What an entrance for Dr. Jean Augustine as our community celebrates this amazing woman #onpoli #jeanturns80 @Kathleen_Wynne @KirstyDuncanMP pic.twitter.com/lN32VJtIkZ
— Hillary Marshall (@HillaryMarshal) September 10, 2017
We could hardly contain our excitement when she listed the full extent of her fonds: 13.4 m of textual records; ca. 16,000 photographs; ca. 10,000 negatives; ca. 60 compact disks; ca. 15 computer disks; ca. 400 paintings and prints; ca. 670 objects : buttons, flags, cups, etc.; 238 videocassettes; and 41 audio cassettes.
Augustine's button collection on a wall. ASC26924
All the buttons from her collection (on display in the image above) have made their way to the Clara Thomas Archives and Special Collections. The online exhibit "Pushing Buttons" provides an insight into the breadth and the research potential of the collection.
Clara Thomas Archives and Special Collections at the party
Steps away from the red carpet, our display of the Jean Augustine fonds, occupied prime restate during the star-studded event. Many individuals stopped to enjoy the small sample of photographic material from the fonds.
The Jean Augustine fonds on display at the 80th Birthday Celebration.
Over the course of the brunch, commemorative certificates from Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Ontario Minister of Education Mitzie Hunter, and Mayor John Tory were presented to Augustine and added to the archival display.
Happy 80th BDay to the Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine, a true trailblazer who’s done so much for women, education & social justice in Ontario! pic.twitter.com/yh6hYGCzn2
— Kathleen Wynne (@Kathleen_Wynne) September 10, 2017
Augustine, Education, and Community in the fonds
As donations from the event were directed to the Jean Augustine Chair of Education, Community, and Diaspora, photographs were selected to commemorate Agustine's teaching days and community work with the Metro Toronto Housing Authority (MTHA).
Newly digitised images of Jean Augustine as a teacher and during her time with the Metro Toronto Housing Authority.
Over her five-year tenure as chair of the MTHA from 1988 to 1993, Augustine organized series of activities to empower tenants and keep youth away from drugs. [1] For example, the Blue Jays Rookie League program, founded during her time as chair, uses the power of baseball to foster lasting social change and create leaders in the community.
Researchers can dive further into the MTHA's activities during Augustine's time with files in boxes 2007-022/008 and 2007-022/009.
At the birthday celebration, Augustine encouraged her guests to conduct research using her fonds. The materials in Augustine's fonds chronicles her four decades of public service and her advocacy on diverse issues, such as women's rights, urban education, Black youth, and the betterment of the Black community.
York University celebrating Augustine
Members of the York community were among the many friends, family and colleagues who gathered to celebrate Jean Augustine's eight decades of accomplishments.
@YorkUPresident wishing Jean Augustine a Happy 80th bday and addressing guests at @JeanAugustine07 fundraising brunch. pic.twitter.com/6RLp5ObAD1
— YorkU Education (@YorkUeducation) September 10, 2017
York University celebrating an amazing 80th birthday brunch for the Honorable Jean Augustine. pic.twitter.com/SYxJDEcxtJ
— YorkU Education (@YorkUeducation) September 10, 2017
To learn more about Jean Augustine and her many accomplishments, see her biographical sketch in the finding aid and related blog posts.
[1] Skinner, Justin. “Jean Augustine one of Canada’s top immigrants.” Inside Toronto. https://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/64514-jean-augustine-one-of-canada-s-top-immigrants/ (retrieved 26 September 2017).
