Special screening of award-winning Dr. Jean Augustine biopic at Georgian’s Orillia Campus
June 1, 2023
Black Canadians and their communities have been vital in shaping Canada’s heritage and identity.
Georgian College’s Orillia Campus, the Global Engagement Centre and Centre for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDI&B) are partnering with the Orillia & District Arts Council (ODAC) to present a special screening of Steadfast: The Messenger and The Message on Thursday, June 8.
The award-winning documentary is based on the life and career of the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine, an ardent crusader for the rights of women and African Canadians, and the first Black Canadian woman to serve as a federal Minister of the Crown and Member of Parliament. In 1995, Dr. Augustine single-handedly championed the unanimous vote to officially designate February as Black History Month in Canada.
Dr. Augustine will be in attendance and bring welcome remarks. The screening will be moderated by Debora Opoku-Mulder, Manager, EDI&B, Georgian College.
Dr. Augustine’s story – and the documentary – are a testament to the power of hard work and devotion in the pursuit of social justice. The biopic captures the power she has as an educator, visionary, a politician and a humanitarian.
Steadfast: The Messenger and The Message has won and been nominated for many awards, including a nomination at the Cannes Film Festival, and is screened widely across the country. The film speaks to the power of perseverance, courage and unwavering commitment to fighting for the socially disadvantaged, which is why Christine Hager, Secretary, Board of Directors, ODAC says they’re partnering with Georgian to present the documentary.
“The Orillia & District Arts Council looks for ways to bring people and resources together to enrich the cultural, economic and intellectual life of our community, and the screening of this important documentary will help inspire inclusiveness and educate students about social justice,” says Hager.
The screening will take place in the Georgian College Orillia Campus theatre (825 Memorial Ave., Orillia) on Thursday, June 8 at 1 p.m. There is no cost to attend and parking is free. As space is limited, attendees are being asked to register through Eventbrite.