Jamaican-Canadian author and historian appointed to Order of Nova Scotia
Published:Friday | December 27, 2024 | 12:07 AMNeil Armstrong/Gleaner Writer
A Jamaican-Canadian author, historian, poet and educator, who is recognised for her study of black Canadian life and her role as a mentor and academic, has been appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia – the highest honour in the province.
This week, Dr Afua Cooper was among five Nova Scotians appointed to the order for their significant contributions in a broad range of fields, including the arts, heritage, philanthropy, business, education and public service.
“On behalf of the King and all Nova Scotians, I am delighted to announce the 2024 appointments to the Order of Nova Scotia. These Nova Scotians have made exemplary contributions and enhanced the social fabric and identity of Nova Scotia and Canada across diverse fields,” said Michael Savage, lieutenant governor of Nova Scotia and chancellor of the Order of Nova Scotia.
The citation notes that Cooper, who was also Halifax Poet Laureate, has contributed to the fabric of Nova Scotia’s literary landscape, serving as an accessible exemplar to emerging Nova Scotian writers from a diverse range of backgrounds.
“ For more than 25 years, Cooper has dedicated herself to the research, study, teaching and celebration of black Canadian life. She has been instrumental in the creation and definition of the emerging field of black Canadian Studies. Cooper has played a central role in building upon the previous generation of scholars of black Canada, to move the subject to the centrestage of scholarship across multiple disciplines,’ the citation reads.
“ Her mentorship of faculty and students, including black and racialised students, and her leadership among African Canadian arts, community and academic organizations, has helped to established new groups to work for positive change.”
Cooper was born in Westmoreland and grew up in Kingston, Jamaica, before migrating to Toronto, Canada, in 1980.
REIMAGINED HISTORY
The citation noted that Cooper has reimagined history through engagement with literary arts, performance, education and human rights.
“Through critical, creative practices, she has shed new light on histories of African peoples previously underrepresented in scholarship, public memory and education. Her pioneering work in history and dub poetry, arising from her Jamaican ancestry, exemplifies a life lived with the deepest integrity.”
It stated that, as a public intellectual, she has been a strong advocate for Black youth and for the Black community, breaking down barriers in teaching, research and in knowledge production as a whole. Her efforts in the area of anti-discrimination and inclusion have led to her being described as one of the exemplary leaders in the field and an outstanding Nova Scotian.
Cooper taught at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for 13 years and was appointed as full professor at the University of Toronto earlier this year.
The other appointees are J. Michael MacDonald, a former chief justice recognised for his service to the law and public service; Allan Marble, a biomedical engineer, genealogist and medical historian recognised for his diverse contributions to heritage and biomedical engineering, and as the author of multiple books; Joseph Shannon, a philanthropist and entrepreneur recognised for his contributions to business and commerce, and philanthropic generosity; and Robert Sobey, a philanthropist, patron of the arts and corporate leader recognised for supporting the visual arts and access to higher education.
PRESENTED WITH MEMORABILIA
Savage will present the new members with their insignia and appointment scroll at an investiture ceremony that will be held at Government House in the spring.
One hundred and twenty-six members have been invested into the Order of Nova Scotia since it was established in June 2001. Appointments to the order are made by the lieutenant-governor on the recommendation of an independent advisory council.
On December 18, Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon appointed 88 individuals to the Order of Canada – one of the country’s highest honours. Among them was Jamaican-Canadian Dr Carlton Lloyd Gyles of Guelph, Ontario, who has been appointed an officer of the order. The other categories are companion and member.
His citation notes that Gyles has “ made profound contributions to veterinary microbiology. An internationally recognised E. coli expert, he has published seminal studies that have led to new vaccines, improved infection control, and a safer food supply. Professor emeritus at the Ontario Veterinary College, he helped the school achieve its status as a top training centre worldwide.”
“Members of the Order of Canada are builders of hope for a better future. Each in their own way, they broaden the realm of possibilities and inspire others to continue pushing its boundaries. Thank you for your perseverance, fearless leadership and visionary spirit, and welcome to the Order of Canada,” said Simon.
Gyles joins a list of several Jamaicans or individuals of Jamaican heritage who have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to Canada by being appointed to the Order of Canada.
They include the late politicians Lincoln Alexander, Rosemary Brown and Beverley Salmon; the late union and civil rights advocates Bromley Armstrong and Stanley Grizzle; the late community leader Harry Gairey; the late philanthropist and business leader G. Raymond Chang; public health advocate Lillie Johnson who celebrated her 102nd birthday in March; community leader Pamela Appelt, who was appointed an officer in June this year, and former journalist and diversity consultant Hamlin Grange, who was appointed in December 2022 and was invested into the order on December 12 this year.