Juanita Black of the Around the Block community newspaper is retiring. (Photo credit: Tamara Steele)
A new documentary is celebrating long-time advocate for building a more caring community in Saint John.
The 13-minute film called Perseverance: The Juanita Black Story goes through more than 40-years she’s spent as a volunteer, poverty advocate, mentor, philanthropist, and neighbourhood leader.
The film was initiated by an ad-hoc committee of people working in poverty reduction and community development in Saint John.
“We hope it will serve as a powerful learning tool for inspiring students, front-line workers, nonprofits, businesses, government, and individuals struggling to leave poverty behind,” said committee member Randy Hatfield, executive director of the Saint John Human Development Council in a release.
Black’s community activism has taken various forms, from committee work to volunteering, advocacy, letter writing, and public speaking.
She has been honoured several times, including being the recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, the YMCA Peace Medal, and the Innovation Award from Vibrant Communities Canada.
The film was independently produced by Saint John filmmaker Jordan Mattie and writer Kate Wallace.
Along with interviews with Black, it also features conversations with New Brunswick Lt. Gov. Brenda Murphy, Moosehead Breweries Chairman Derek Oland, and other colleagues and collaborators.
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