A local legacy: The Honourable Dr. Mayann E. Francis
The Hon, Dr. Mayann E. Francis Library and Learning Commons and Interpretive Display at Sydney Waterfront Campus
The Honourable Dr. Mayann E. Francis, activist, author, public speaker and longtime friend of Nova Scotia Community College, was recognized through a ceremony at Sydney Waterfront Campus to unveil The Hon. Dr. Mayann E. Francis Library and Learning Commons.
In recognition of her legacy and her dedication to lifelong learning, Marconi Campus named its library and learning commons after Dr. Francis in 2015. Nearly 10 years later the Campus was able to celebrate Dr. Francis’ continued impact and re-dedicate the library space along with a new interpretive display.
Her Honour, the 31st Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia
Dr. Francis came from humble beginnings and has gone on to a career dedicated to public service, human rights and promoting the importance of education. In 2006, Dr. Francis was appointed as the 31st Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, making her the first African Nova Scotian and second woman to serve in this role. She served in the role until 2012, and among her many achievements during this time is the historic Royal Prerogative of Mercy Free Pardon of businesswoman Viola Desmond, 64 years after she was arrested for sitting in the whites-only section of a movie theatre in New Glasgow.
Whitney Pier, her career and dedication to lifelong learning
Dr. Francis credits her upbringing in Whitney Pier as being a great background for her life. “Growing up in Whitney Pier was such an honour. You had people from all over the world who came here to work and live. We had our differences, but we learned through them and everyone got along,” says Dr. Francis. “When you learn about the history of Whitney Pier and the notable people who came from there and Cape Breton, you’d be surprised and inspired by what they have accomplished.”
Prior to her time as lieutenant governor, Dr. Francis never shied away from change and opportunity during her career, holding various academic achievements and professional roles leading her to where she is today. She pursued education, mentorship and other opportunities to advance her skills, saying, “we are never too old or too successful to continue learning.”
Dr. Francis left Whitney Pier to study at the Halifax Infirmary to become an x-ray technician. After a few years of working, she then decided to obtain a bachelor's degree in sociology from Saint Mary’s University. Soon after, she spent 16 years living in the United States, moving to New York City to study and begin her career as a paralegal on Wall Street. She then went on to complete a master's in public administration from New York University leading her to work at the New York State District Attorney’s Office. After returning to Canada, she worked at Dalhousie University as an employment equity officer and held many other senior public service roles, which included a brief time in Toronto before becoming the director and CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and being appointed as Nova Scotia’s first female Ombudsman.
She furthers her dedication to lifelong learning by giving back to students. In 2015, she established the Honourable Mayann E. Francis Hope & Inspiration Award, offering 14 awards annually to students at any NSCC campus.
Interpretive display
The display designed by Fathom Studio holds two items that hold meaning and symbolism to Dr. Francis’s legacy. First being a gabardine wool suit and hat from Dr. Francis’s personal collection, designed and fabricated by her friend, the late New York tailor Frederick Simpson, that she wore to her swearing-in ceremony for lieutenant governor in 2006. As Dr. Francis carefully selected garments to extend her strength of character through her outward appearance.
Second being the Good News for Modern Man, a bible published by the American Bible Society in New York in 1966. On loan from Nova Scotia Archives, this was the family bible belonging to Dr. Francis’s father, Rev. George Anthony Francis, a priest at St. Philip’s African Orthodox church at the centre of Whitney Pier. A symbol of her family, her community and devotion, Dr. Francis was sworn in on this bible when she became lieutenant governor. “I could not imagine taking the oath of office without first spending time with God,” says Dr. Francis.
Dr. Francis’s gratitude and hope
"It is a great honour to have this beautiful new learning commons space at the new Sydney Waterfront Campus continue to be named after me, including the new exhibit. For me, the importance isn't just the personal honour, it's the opportunity for it to inspire people to learn more about Whitney Pier as a strong and successful community, the history, and the people that came from this area. I hope people from Cape Breton feel pride to see this space named after a fellow Cape Bretoner, and that others use the opportunity to learn more about the rich story of this place. NSCC has a strong reputation both in Nova Scotia and beyond, and I believe this new, grand campus right on the waterfront, right in the centre of everything in Sydney, will encourage more people to attend and take advantage of what the College has to offer. Overall, I hope the positive impact that comes from all of this will continue long into the future." - The Honourable Dr. Mayann E. Francis
Thank you, Dr. Francis - your legacy and the impact you continue to make in your community will be felt for a lifetime.
Learn more about Dr. Francis’s life and career in her memoir, Mayann Francis: An Honourable Life.
-
The Honourable Dr. Mayann E. Francis interpretative display.The Honourable Dr. Mayann E. Francis interpretative display at Sydney Waterfront Campus.
-
The Honourable Dr. Mayann E. Francis interpretative display.Dr. Francis with friends and family in front of her interpretative display at unveiling event. -
The Hon. Dr. Mayann E. Francis Library and Learning Commons.Dr. Francis with friends, family, Sydney Waterfront Campus Principal, Carla Arsenault and NSCC President, Don Bureaux, in front of The Hon. Dr. Mayann E. Francis Library and Learning Commons.
Recent Stories
- Urgent Aid continues future social worker’s dream of helping her community: Morgan Vassallo
- Giving Tuesday 2024: Fighting student food insecurity, together.
- “I felt a weight lift off my shoulders” - Finding support among crisis through NSCC's Rapid Response program
- Welcome to NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus
- Investing in talent: Office Interiors and RICOH mark 17 years of supporting student success