Dr. Afua Cooper, a Jamaican-Canadian renowned for her work studying Black Canadian life and her role as a mentor and academic, has been appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia, the province’s highest honor.
This week, Dr. Afua Cooper was among five Nova Scotians appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia for their outstanding contributions across various fields such as the arts, heritage, philanthropy, business, education, and public service.
Michael Savage, the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia and Chancellor of the Order, expressed his delight in announcing the 2024 appointments, recognizing these individuals for their exemplary contributions to enhancing the social fabric and identity of Nova Scotia and Canada.
The citation for Dr. Cooper highlights her significant impact on Nova Scotia’s literary landscape. As the former Halifax Poet Laureate, she has not only contributed to the province’s cultural heritage but also served as an accessible role model for emerging writers from diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and encouraging literary expression. Her appointment to the Order of Nova Scotia is a testament to her dedication and influence in shaping the province’s arts and culture.
“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 center stage of scholarship across multiple disciplines,’ the citation reads.
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.
“ Her mentorship of faculty and students, including black and racialized 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.
The other appointees to the Order of Nova Scotia for 2024, alongside Dr. Afua Cooper, include:
- J. Michael MacDonald, a former chief justice, recognized for his outstanding service to the law and public service.
- Allan Marble, a biomedical engineer, genealogist, and medical historian, honored for his diverse contributions to heritage and biomedical engineering, as well as for his authorship of multiple books.
- Joseph Shannon, a philanthropist and entrepreneur, celebrated for his significant contributions to business and commerce, alongside his philanthropic generosity.
- Robert Sobey, a philanthropist, patron of the arts, and corporate leader, acknowledged for his support of the visual arts and his efforts to improve access to higher education.
These individuals have made notable and varied contributions to Nova Scotia and beyond, enhancing their respective fields and positively impacting the community and society.
