The Saint John Newcomers Centre is celebrating Black History Month by featuring Black community partners who are making a significant impact in Saint John. The center aims to shed light on the contributions of these partners and their influence on the local community. The series highlights the stories and achievements of individuals and businesses within the Black community, emphasizing their cultural, social, and economic contributions to Greater Saint John. This initiative aligns with the center’s mission to promote equality for all cultural groups and improve the well-being of both existing residents and newcomers in the region.
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Marceline Djumegue is a teacher at the francophone school “Samuel de champlain” since 2021, a mother of 4 children and an active member of the ethnocommunity association “Ubuntu Inc.” dedicated to support sub-Saharan African immigrants, and volunteered with the SJNC in the French conversation program and in other events.
What does Black History Month mean to you, and why is it important?
Black History Month in New Brunswick reminds us of the importance of celebrating and recognizing the contributions of Black people to New Brunswick society. It is an opportunity to highlight the history, culture and achievements of Black communities in the province. This month also provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges and struggles that Black people face, while promoting inclusion and equality. It highlights the importance of fighting racism and social injustices, and encourages commitment to diversity and equity for all New Brunswickers. Finally, Black History Month inspires us to continue working together to build a more just and inclusive society for future generations.
Who are some Black leaders that have inspired you, and how have they impacted your career or personal development?
Black leaders who have influenced my life are Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King.
Nelson Mandela profoundly influenced my personal development through his promotion of forgiveness and resilience. His example encourages me to commit to positive social change and to persevere in the face of adversity. His philosophy inspires me to cultivate tolerance, compassion and determination, pushing me to become an agent of transformation in my life and my community. Thanks to his actions, I internalized two great values: the spirit of forgiveness and the spirit of resilience, which continue to guide my actions on a daily basis.
Martin Luther King Jr. profoundly influenced my personal development by demonstrating unwavering moral leadership, encouraging the transformative power of speech, and advocating nonviolence as a means of change. His legacy endures as a universal source of inspiration, inspiring individuals to commit to a more just and egalitarian society. His example continues to illuminate the path to affirmative action and the fight for civil rights, reminding us of the importance of justice, empathy and respect in the quest for a better world for all.
What inspired you to become a teacher at the French-speaking school “Samuel de Champlain”?
I have always been attracted to the warmth and innocence of children. This proximity to their energy has always given me a deep feeling of happiness. However, it was after obtaining my accounting degree in Cameroon that my true passion for teaching began to manifest.
When I immigrated to Canada, I was struck by the distinct lack of French speakers in the region. It was at that moment that I decided to seize the opportunity that presented itself to me. I said to myself: “Why not try my luck in the teaching field?”
And that’s how I found myself in this wonderful profession. Obtaining a contract at the Samuel de Champlain school was for me an unexpected chance to realize my dream. This allowed me to reconnect with my passion for teaching and to contribute significantly to the French-speaking and Acadian community.
Can you share a memorable moment from your volunteer work with SJNC in the French Conversation Program?
Working as a volunteer has been a very rewarding time for me. I had the opportunity to embrace diversity and support newcomers who were looking to improve their level of French in order to integrate into society. It was a wonderful experience to be able to contribute to their adaptation and well-being.
Given my current professional and academic constraints, I am unable to find the time necessary to continue this support work, but I remain optimistic that circumstances will improve and that I will be able to resume my volunteer commitment as soon as possible.
How do you see the role of education in promoting awareness and understanding of Black history and culture within the community?
Education plays a vital role in promoting awareness and understanding of Black history and culture within the community by providing inclusive and diverse curricula that highlight the contributions of Black people to the society. By integrating Black historical and cultural perspectives into the school curriculum, schools can help eliminate stereotypes and promote inclusion and mutual respect. Open discussions and educational initiatives focused on diversity also encourage students to appreciate the richness of black culture and to fight racism and discrimination. Ultimately, inclusive education promotes a more equitable and harmonious society, where everyone is valued and respected for their diversity.
As an active member of Ubuntu Inc., what initiatives or projects have you been involved in that have had a significant impact on supporting immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa?
As a member of Ubuntu Inc, we have had the privilege of welcoming several African families. In this reception process, we supported them in various aspects of their installation: from finding accommodation to equipping their home, including their warm welcome at the airport. In addition, we supported them in their job search and other administrative procedures. At the same time, we organized several summer gatherings where we invited our immigrant members as well as our friends. These events were an opportunity to share convivial moments around barbecues, dances and discussions, thus strengthening ties and promoting integration within our community. These collective efforts have created a welcoming and inclusive environment for immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa, thus facilitating their integration and development in their new life in Canada.
