Black Leadership Navigating Institutional Spaces: A Q&A with Lydia Gill Blackett
Black Leadership Navigating Institutional Spaces
Q&A with Lydia Gill Blackett
On Thursday, February 8, the U of T Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office hosted a hybrid Black History Month film screening and discussion of Steadfast: The Messenger and the Message. This film chronicles the journey and accomplishments of the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine P.C., C.M., O.Ont., C.B.E., the first Black woman to be elected to the House of Commons. A lively discussion with Dr. Augustine about her experience navigating institutional spaces as a Black woman followed the screening.
UAO’s own Lydia Gill Blackett Assistant Director, University Student Recruitment – Equity & Outreach was the event MC. We caught up with Lydia to find out more about her experience and to explore the importance of this kind of programming and Black History Month more broadly.
MM: How did you become the MC for this amazing event, and what was the experience like?
LGB: When planning for the event, Saimah Baig, Program Coordinator, Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office reached out to me to inquire as to whether I would be interested in emceeing the event. I enthusiastically said ‘yes’, to what would be a once in a lifetime opportunity!
MM: What was it like getting to meet a Black Canadian trailblazer like Dr. Jean Augustine?
LGB: I felt extremely privileged to have been invited to act as the MC and convene an event in recognition of her life’s work in service of all Canadians, and more specifically, her work in advancing the needs of Black Canadians.
Meeting and conversing with her was an amazing experience. In our short time together, she imparted so much knowledge for those of us at her table, and the attendees at large. Her wisdom on how to navigate large, decentralized organizations like U of T as a Black woman was extremely helpful for students, staff, and faculty in attendance.
MM: What can we learn from Dr. Augustine’s incredible life story and accomplishments?
LGB: I hope we can learn from her leadership to approach the work of advancing the needs of Black and racialized communities in public institutions with care, strategy, and intention. Dr. Augustine noted in her comments that the work of equity, diversity, and inclusion frequently becomes entrenched in the diversity pillar. She encouraged attendees to shift their thinking beyond mere diversity and begin contemplating what inclusion and representation can mean in large organizations. To me, this signifies a dedication to fostering enduring and progressive change.
MM: Was there a specific insight or story from Dr. Augustine’s life that resonated with you?
LGB: There were so many, it will be tough to choose just one!
Her success with the passing of the motion for the recognition of Black History Month inspired then Senator, Vivienne Poy to seek out Dr. Augustine’s support to develop the motion to recognize May as Asian Heritage Month. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and sharing her pathway to success regarding the Black History Month motion, aiming to streamline the process for Senator Poy and the Asian Community.
I was inspired by her commitment to work across cultures and communities to create a more inclusive Canada. Collaboration, coordination, and relationship-building continued to be themes that resonated with me throughout the film and discussion.
MM: Why are events like this and Black History Month so important?
LGB: Events recognizing Black History and the contributions of Black Canadians are extremely important, as they provide an opportunity for reflection, recognition, and inspiration. Through these events, we reflect on the numerous obstacles and systemic challenges that trailblazers like the Honourable Dr. Augustine have overcome. Their courage and accomplishments are proudly recognized, ensuring that their legacies endure. My hope is that these celebratory occasions serve as inspiration for the next generation of Black youth and our students to continue their impactful work. Thus, the involvement of high school students from select partner schools, captured in the accompanying photo, underscores this sentiment.
MM: Are there any other Black History Month figures, stories or interesting facts you’d like to highlight or share? (There are so many to choose from, it’s understandably difficult to narrow down!)
LGB: Narrowing it down to just one would be challenging, as there are countless individuals deserving of recognition. Instead, I choose to honour my personal Black History by acknowledging my grandmother, Esther, who shares a birthday (September 9th) with the Honourable Dr. Augustine. Sharing similar beginnings, I recognize her bravery, along with that of many others, in journeying to Montreal to offer her children and future generations a chance at a new life. I am indebted to the remarkable Black women whose resilience guided them through difficult times and numerous obstacles, paving the way for me to be here today.
