25K in 25 Days: The Jean Augustine Chair Fundraiser Launches Black History Month
A Community Call Out from The First Black Female MP and The Mother of Black History Month
February 1st, 2021 (Toronto, ON) - Respected educator, former Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Minister for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women and the first Black woman elected to the Parliament of Canada, The Honourable Jean Augustine is calling on the community to match a generous donation of $25 000 by Accenture Canada in support of the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora at York University. “The 25K in 25 Days fundraiser evolved from my vision of funding the Chair by the community, for the community,” explains Dr. Augustine, “The research efforts, educational partnerships and community programs that have been and will continue to be established by the Chair have already served to improve the education and lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of Black students and their families.” The 25K in 25 Days fundraiser begins February 1st and will wrap up February 25th. CBC is the media sponsor and FKB Media Solutions is the publicity partner to help spread the word about this important initiative.
At the age of 83, Dr. Augustine has single-handedly raised $1.8 million in community donations for the endowment of the Chair with a total of $3 million needed for it to continue in perpetuity. Accenture Canada is the first corporation to join Dr. Augustine in her fundraising, and she is hoping that other allies will also contribute and help her reach the goal.
“At Accenture, we’re committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce because we know that it makes us stronger, more innovative, and creates a culture where everyone feels they have equality of opportunity,” said Jeffery Russell, president of Accenture in Canada. “Dr. Augustine has made a profound impact in Canada through her dedication to inclusion and diversity and we’re proud to support the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora.”
This month’s $25, 000 challenge is significant as this is the 25th anniversary of Black History Month becoming officially recognized by the Canadian government. A motion that was single-handedly pushed by Dr. Augustine and received unanimous consent in the House of Commons.
The Jean Augustine Chair is one of only two university endowed Canadian Chairs dedicated to research and knowledge mobilization efforts in Black and other racialized communities. In recent years, it has become an important research hub accessible to community agencies to actively inform policies and programs across Canada.
Though these are difficult times economically for many families, the community is encouraged to donate anything they can as an investment in the future of the Black community in Canada. The Jean Augustine Chair is a registered charity and tax receipts are issued by York University for all donations.
To learn more or support the future of The Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora visit - https://www.jacendowmentfund.ca/ Follow the 25 Days of Jean on Instagram
About Accenture Canada
Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries, we offer Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and Operations services — all powered by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. Our 506,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. We embrace the power of change to create value and shared success for our clients, people, shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at www.accenture.com