by Curlan Campbell
- Terry James honoured for 30-year career as a law enforcement officer
- Jean Augustine recognised as first Black woman elected to Canada’s Parliament
- James and Augustine honoured with inaugural “Terry James Trailblazer Award” during Black History Month in Canada
A retired black female police sergeant has been recognised for her role as a catalyst for change within the Toronto Police Service (TPS) during her 30-year career as a law enforcement officer. The “Terry James Trailblazer Award” is named after retired Sgt. Terry James, originally from Grenada.
James was not the only one to receive an award. The first person to receive it was Rosemary Sadlier, a community activist and former Ontario Black History Society president. However, this award is even more special because James shared this moment with another prominent Grenadian, The Honourable Jean Augustine.
Originally from Happy Hill, Augustine was recognised as the first Black woman elected to Canada’s Parliament. In 1995, she took on the responsibility of championing a motion in the House of Commons to officially acknowledge February as Black History Month in Canada, and she succeeded.
James and Augustine were both honoured with the inaugural ‘Sgt. Terry James Trailblazer Award’ at an event held at Tropicana Community Services in Scarborough on Tuesday, 27 February 2024, and attended by dignitaries and community advocates. The award was presented through a partnership between the Toronto Police, the Community Partnership and Engagement Unit (CPEU), the Equity, Inclusion & Human Rights Unit (EIHR), the Black In-Service Network, the Black Community Consultative Committee, the Association for Black Law Enforcers (ABLE) and Tropicana Community Services.
Born and raised in St Paul’s, James attended St George’s Anglican Senior School (Hindsey) before migrating to Canada at 13. She is proud of her 30-year career in law enforcement, particularly her contributions to mentoring young people. “The most rewarding aspect of being in law enforcement was being able to mentor young individuals who were interested in doing what I did. They became successful and elevated up through the policing ranks,” she said. “Policing to me was not only about dealing with persons who committed crimes- but also helping and guiding individuals when they needed help, which to me occurred more often than dealing with criminals. That was rewarding. I feel as a role model, I was able to influence young black women and men to see themselves in the place that I was at.”
In February 1994, James initiated the observance of Black History Month at the Toronto Police Service Headquarters. As part of the celebration, a photographic exhibit named “In Search of Tomorrow” depicting historical black individuals and curated by Toronto historian Dr Sheldon Taylor, was displayed in the lobby and auditorium. Members of the black community were invited to the headquarters. The exhibit has been taking place continuously for over 30 years.
“For many years, the Black Community did not feel that it had a voice in the way they were being served. I was looking for a way to address the anger and resentment, the lack of trust that kept the Black community and the police apart. Something that might hold out a promise for change. A celebration of Black History Month within the walls of police headquarters would be a catalyst for change. Healing the wounds and creating partnerships could be the result. I reached out to various community members whose responses were positive and they were eager to help,” James explained.
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) published a report last year highlighting deficiencies in Toronto’s policing methods, which the report suggests have led to systemic anti-Black racism. In response to that report, James acknowledged that her department has faced numerous allegations of racial profiling during her time as a police sergeant. According to her, the recommendations from previous reports have already been implemented. Nevertheless, she said there is still a lot of work remaining, and she is confident that the department will continue the work she initiated.
“Many reports, commissions and studies have resulted in recommendations, some of which have been implemented. However, it’s an uphill battle in trying to modify patterns and behaviours and try to change altitudes. It’s an ongoing challenge,” she said. “As a black female police officer, I participated in and worked with community organisations, I mentored and recruited many young individuals who became police officers, some of whom are presently leaders in the Toronto Police Service. It’s been slow and steady combatting the many challenges, however, incremental positive changes are evident.”
James was asked if she ever lost faith in the justice system at any point in your career. “No, I can’t say that I ever lost faith in the justice system. There have been many challenges fuelled by biases, discrimination and racism; however, because of advocacy, commissions and reviews, many recommendations that have been put forth were implemented, thereby resulting in changes for the better. The system isn’t perfect,” she replied.
While the police department is male-dominated, there has been a push for greater female representation in positions of power.
“The police service, I believe is still male-dominated, however, based on recruiting strategies employed over the years great strides have been made to increase female representation. I have also observed that the representation of women in senior ranks has greatly improved,” James added.
