York University to Honor Two Esteemed Figures from the Black Caribbean Diaspora with Honorary Degrees

Toronto , ON – On June 20th, amidst a backdrop of academic celebration and community pride, Toronto’s York University will bestow honorary degrees upon two distinguished individuals from the Black Caribbean Diaspora. Arnold Auguste and Jason “Kardinal Offishall” Harrow, both icons within Toronto’s Caribbean community, will be recognized for their exceptional contributions to media, music, and social advocacy.

Arnold Auguste, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, arrived in Toronto in 1978 with a vision to elevate the voices and narratives of the Black and Caribbean community. In response to the absence of representation in mainstream media, he founded Share newspaper, a groundbreaking publication dedicated to fostering dialogue and empowerment within the community. Nearly five decades later, Share news remains a vital platform for discourse and has earned Auguste numerous accolades, including the prestigious Harry Jerome Business Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the African Canadian Achievement Awards of Excellence.

Jason “Kardinal Offishall” Harrow, a Toronto-born musician and philanthropist, has left an indelible mark on the global music scene. With his quadruple-platinum single “Dangerous,” he made history as the first Canadian rapper to reach the top five of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Beyond his musical achievements, Harrow co-founded Advance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for Black music professionals in Canada. His commitment to social justice and community empowerment has garnered him recognition, including the Canada’s Walk of Fame Allan Slaight Music Impact honoree and a Canadian Music Week Social Justice Impact Award.

The upcoming ceremony at York University serves as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and community spirit of the Black Caribbean Diaspora in Toronto. As Auguste and Harrow are honored for their remarkable achievements, their stories serve as inspiration for future generations to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Vision Newspaper – The Caribbean Update extends heartfelt congratulations to Arnold Auguste and Jason “Kardinal Offishall” Harrow on this well-deserved recognition. We invite the community to join us in celebrating their legacies and the profound impact of their work on June 20th at York University.