in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
June 26, 2023
Photo: Township of Southgate
BY JOHN BUTLER — Southgate Councillor and community activist Joan John knows what it feels like to be the only face of color in a sea of white faces, and the sense of isolation it can produce. She has turned that sense of isolation into a commitment to build bridges among people of all backgrounds.
For that commitment, directed to young people in particular, she has received an Award of Excellence from the Bluewater District School Board. John, founder and President of JunCtian Community Initiatives (JCI) headquartered in Dundalk, received the award from Janice Kaikkonen, School Board Trustee for Southgate and Grey Highlands, at an award ceremony at the Board’s head office in Chesley on June 20.
John was recognized for her work with schools in South Grey, and particularly with Grey Highlands Secondary School and its students, to promote understanding, equity and inclusion, and to help create safe spaces and places for all students. In February, for instance, she made a well-received presentation on Black excellence to the Student United Nations Club of Grey Highlands Secondary School — a club dedicated to education about racism and the celebration of diversity.
Joan John, left, with presenter Janice Kaikkonen
John was accompanied at the awards ceremony by friends and supporters including Southgate Deputy Mayor Barbara Dobreen, JCI Board member Pricilla Miller, Grey Highlands Peace Committee Chair Lynn Silverton and Rev. Beverone Bagal, Pastor of the Southgate Church of Canada.
In accepting the award, John said, “I am humbled and honored to receive this award for doing my part in building a partnership with the Bluewater District School Board and its teachers, counsellors and administrators. But I’m only one half of the partnership. The other half comprises you, the Bluewater folks who have been so responsive to the needs of students from all backgrounds. Let’s keep dreaming together, listening together, working together, and helping young people and their families together. We’re a pretty good team!”
The importance of education has been a theme and focus throughout Joan’s life and she maintains contacts with the schools she attended as a child and teenager in Jamaica. She is currently making arrangements to visit her Jamaican high school alma mater, in response to an invitation from the school to address its staff and students.
Her organization, JunCtian Community Initiatives, empowers communities in South Grey through positive economic services and social programs, focusing on the creation of a safe hub where youth and young adults are engaged through arts, culture, education, diversity and inclusion, health and wellness, and other community activities.
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