In Conversation with the Hon. Jean Augustine about “Exploring Black Feminine Identity” at the ROM

This Sunday, October 18 at 12:30 pm, join a panel of leading Canadian cultural critics as they explore the historical and contemporary constraints that can and have shaped Black female identity in Canada. This event is an opportunity to engage in conversations with leading experts to rethink critically the way history is told and understood not only in the media, but also in the museum itself. The theme for this panel is based on the themes underlying the exhibition Worn: Shaping Black Feminine Identity, an installation by Karin Jones on view in the Sigmund Samuel Gallery of Canada until Nov 1, 2015.

Jones’ work is the first contemporary art installation presented as part of the Of Africa project. A Victorian mourning dress made of synthetic hair, the beautifully crafted piece evokes the complexity of African identity when shaped by forces such as imperial rule, slavery and alienation.

Why is such conversation important? Read on to find out, as ROM Curator Silvia Forni speaks with the Honourable Jean Augustine, Fairness Commissioner and honourary patron of the Of Africa project.

Silvia Forni, ROM Curator (ROM): Why is it important to you to be the Of Africa honourary patron?

Hon. Jean Augustine (JA): It’s important that large institutions like the ROM participate fully in the African Canadian community, and that this community becomes engaged with the institution. My interest is to ensure that there is full participation by the Black community in Toronto, in this resource that is right at our door, where our young people have the opportunity to learn, to participate and to see opportunities for their own advancement.

ROM: The theme of the October 18 talk is “Shaping Black Feminine Identity.” How has your gender and background influenced your work?

JA: Everything I do is spurred on by who I am. I cannot walk away from the fact that I am a Black woman in Canadian society, that I am a member of Canada’s Black community. I cannot walk away from the fact that my place in society as a Black woman has challenges. Therefore, everything I do and the support that I get are advised by who I am.

ROM: You also show a bit of a political activist stance in your work. What have you been inspired to do because of your activism?

JA: When one comes into a society and there are institutional barriers – or perceived barriers – it’s important to find out what those barriers are and how to overcome them, how to make the route better for others who follow. Many of us who were engaged with communities in the 60s and 70s developed that core activist spirit. We wanted to ensure that we make certain changes in society – in institutions, the workplace, the marketplace – so that we live in a society with the values we all hold, such as equity and respect for diversity.

I was always propelled by the whole notion of recognizing diversity, of fair treatment, and of opportunities for individuals to develop to be the best that they can possibly be. For that to happen, it’s important that we bring these concepts to the table, often to the annoyance of people who don’t want to make necessary change.

ROM: How do you feel “Worn Dialogues” and Of Africa in general can do something for women and girls in your community?

JA: Any program that has as its theme the empowerment of women and girls, that makes a conscious effort to pull Black women, African Canadian women, into the circle for discussion, and that raises awareness of issues that face individuals, helps to build the kind of society that we all want. The Of Africa project, and “Worn Dialogues” in particular, will help us to look at and examine some of the situations that face young African Canadian women.

Equally important is that this discussion is taking place in a non-traditional setting, where such conversations do not happen every day. The ROM itself as an institution can begin to understand the issues that face this community, through the eyes of the participants.

ROM: Thank you! Of Africa is certainly an exciting project for us, and we look forward to having you introduce the project, and to seeing the response from our visitors.

“Worn Dialogues: Exploring Black Feminine Identity” with Hon Jean Augustine, Andrea Fatona, Karthin McKittick, and Sylvia Hamilton is this Sunday at 12:30 pm in the Royal Ontario Museum, Signy and Cléophée Eaton Theatre. The Program is Free. RSVP required. Doors open at 12:00 Noon.

“Worn Dialogues: Gallery Conversations” with Jessica Karuhanga is this Sunday, 2:30 PM at the Sigmund Samuel Gallery of Canada. The event is non-ticketed and included in Museum admission.

The art installation Worn: Shaping Black Feminine Identity by Vancouver based craft artist Karin Jones is on view until November 1, 2015, at the Sigmund Samuel Gallery of Canada. Learn more about the Of Africa project, view the project’s history, and find out about upcoming events.

*This interview has been edited for length.