THE MONTHLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 15 - MARCH 16, 2024 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 4 Neil Armstrong/Gleaner Writer IN ITS celebration of Black History Month, the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) chose the theme ‘Black Resistance’ and lauded three individuals who, it said, exemplified such through their work, advocacy and commitment to equity. Dr Andrew B. Campbell, assistant professor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto; Pastor Eddie Jjumba and the Dominion Church International; and Pastor Judith James were this year’s awardees at the association’s 24th annual Boonoonoonos Brunch, held to honour the achievements and contributions of those in the black community “who are working to build, document and share our stories, and push for change”. Adaoma Patterson, past president of the JCA, said the award presented to Dr Campbell was in recognition of his commitment to advancing equity in education. Dr Campbell started teaching at the age of 19 years old in Jamaica, graduated from teachers’ college at 21, and after teaching in Jamaica for a while, moved to The Bahamas where he worked for eight years, before relocating to Canada in 2008. “When I got news of this award, it meant a lot to me, because no matter where you go — and I’ve gotten several awards — an award coming from your own countrymen, coming from your own community, that is absolutely special.” Dr . Campbell underscored the power of showing up in one’s community, noting that the most valuable thing he has in his life is people.“In all your getting, make sure you get community. I feel seen by my community.” Jjumba, a Ugandan Canadian ordained minister and registered psychotherapist, is the senior pastor of Milliken Church in Markham, Ontario, and the president of Dominion House of Hope shelter, coordinating the efforts to help refugees and asylum seekers in the settlement process. David Betty, the JCA’s president, said the award presented to Pastor Jjumba was in recognition of his advocacy and leadership during the black refugee crisis in Toronto. He noted that some of the preparation of meals for the refugee claimants was done by the pastor in the kitchen of the JCA last year. Jjumba said when he and his team started helping African refugee claimants who were sleeping outside the city’s shelter intake office in downtown Toronto, they had no plan. “We only started because the people that were supposed to go to Pastor Judith could not go, because her church became full within just one day. So, the people that were at Dominion waiting to be taken there, up to this day have not been,” said Jjumba. He said out of those difficult and challenging circumstances, he formed many connections that he knows will last forever. HISTORICAL MOVEMENT Pastor James is the founder and CEO of The Beautiful Foundation, a charitable organisation that serves women and children who have survived domestic violence and substance abuse. She is also the dean of students at Adelfiha Christian Academy and the co-chair of Stand United Canada, an organisation committed to impacting present and future generations. Patterson noted that Pastor James led a historical movement in the summer of 2023, when she became the first responder to provide shelter for over 1,000 African refugees and asylum J’can organisation honours three for advocacy, leadership Dr Jean Augustine, artist Connie Lee and her partner. Lee presented her with this portrait. CONTRIBUTED
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