BLACK HISTORY MONTH

A Celebration of an icon, the Honorable Dr. Jean Augustine

Montreal Premiere of Steadfast – The Messenger and the Message

The highly anticipated documentary film, “Steadfast – The Messenger and the Message” directed by Fahim Hamid Ali, which tells the uplifting and heartwarming story of the life of the Honorable Dr. Jean Augustine – undoubtedly a Canadian icon.

Steadfast: The Messenger and the Message is a heartwarming documentary film that follows the life and career of the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine. As the first Black Canadian woman to serve as a federal Minister of the Crown and Member of Parliament, Dr. Augustine remains an immense source of pride and inspiration to the future young leaders of Canada.

The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine is known as a trailblazing federal level politician, social activist and educator.  In 1993, she made history as the first African-Canadian woman to be elected to Canada’s House of Commons. In 1995, she was solely responsible for championing the federal Motion to designate the month of February as Black History Month in Canada. She succeeded with a unanimous vote across all party lines.

Steadfast brings us the uplifting story of Dr. Augustine through her first-hand account of her struggles and triumphs told in her own words. Capturing Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine’s humble beginnings in Grenada, West Indies, this documentary tells of her many achievements and laurels after she immigrated to Canada in 1960. The film also includes interviews with people who have known her personally such as the Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau; the former Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. The Right Honourable Keith C. Mitchell; the first black Miss World, Jennifer Hosten; British actor, Joseph Marcell; Grammy-nominated rap artist Freddy Will and several Members of Parliament and political leaders in Canada and beyond. Through re-enactments, the film depicts the courage and determination with which Dr. Augustine fought for the rights of women and African Canadians.⁠

Saturday, February 25, 2023 at the Cinema du Musée – Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, located at 1379-A Sherbrooke Street West.

Doors open at 6:00 pm with a pre-show starting at 6:30 pm featuring the West Can Dancers and Drummers. The national anthem sung by The Grenada Ensemble; a cultural performing group made up of Montreal-Grenadians, followed by the premiere screening of “STEADFAST – The Messenger and The Message”.

A Q&A with the Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine and Film Director, Mr. Fahim Hamid Ali, will follow after the film.

Register for a personal invitation BY FEBRUARY 5, 2023 by contacting Playmas Montreal Cultural Association at [email protected]