Beloved educator remembered for commitment to equity

TORONTO:

The sudden death of beloved educator and consultant Jay Williams has resulted in an outpouring of tributes on various media platforms.

Williams, 40, died in the early hours of February 29 – three weeks after attending the swearing-in ceremony for his mother, Jamaica-born Paulette Senior, to the Senate of Canada in Ottawa. He was very proud of her and posted a message on his Facebook page in tribute to her.

In an announcement of the funeral details, his family thanked everyone for the messages of “condolences and outpouring of support as we navigate our heartbreak and our way through life without him.”

Williams was an educator for 14 years at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), and the Black Student Success and Excellence initiative at the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement and Model Schools for Inner Cities.

He taught mainly Grade 8 in TDSB middle schools and was an equity, anti-racism and anti-oppression coach for students from kindergarten through Grade 12 before joining the Centre of Black Excellence for Black Student Achievement last July as an equity co-ordinator.

“Jay was driven by a passion to use education as a platform to make lasting impact. Inspired by his commitment to equity, he helped students achieve success despite daunting circumstances, and an education system and teaching methods that limited their ability to reach their full potential.

“Jay inspired students and colleagues with his energy, authenticity, and belief that as we know better, we must become better. As a consultant, speaker, and author he advocated for policy changes within the education system that were essential for students to realise their goals,” noted his family.

His colleagues and friends lauded his work.

“He is loved. By being his authentic self, he made a difference in the lives of students, families, and staff for generations to come,” said Karen Murray, system superintendent at the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement at the TDSB.

Lindsey Marshall, Acting Coordinator, Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, said she had the honour “to be friends and work with a beautiful soul that touched the hearts and minds of everyone he came across. His authentic commitment to black student success and excellence was reflected in the way he lived and engaged in his work both in and out of the classroom. I know Jay’s impact and legacy will continue to shape the fabric of education for generations to come.”

Abhi Arulanantham, principal of Edgewood Public School, said Williams was someone “whose mere presence made you pause, and when he spoke, you just knew that he was someone committed to doing what he could to make the world a better place for others, especially young black folks.

“He and I spoke just a few days before he passed, and our conversation was about how difficult it is to carry the burden of doing equity work in a system that is not set up for racialised folks. This is how I will remember him – as someone who would completely put himself out there in a harsh world full of obstacles, just so that he could ensure that our students – our future – are better. Jay was special,” she said.

Storyteller, author and managing director of Blackhurst Cultural Centre, ItahSadu, said Williams holds a special place in her heart.

The co-owner of A Different Booklist said she had several opportunities to work with the dynamic educator and witness his progress.

“In January, I danced with him and several educators at a “wind down Friday” at the Blackhurst Cultural Centre. It was joyous. I will always remember how he wrapped me up as an Auntie in the warmest embrace. Thanks to his mom and family for sharing this brilliant young man and gift with us,” she said.

Williams attended Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School and later earned bachelor degrees in Science in Public Health Education and Promotion, and education from Dalhousie University and Ontario Tech University, respectively.

The viewing and visitation will be on Friday, March 15, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McEachnie Funeral Home, 28 Old Kingston Road in Ajax, Ontario. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 10:45 a.m. at Apostolic Pentecostal Church, 1920 Notion Road in Pickering, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Jay Williams Memorial Fund which was established by his family to honour his legacy: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/99794 (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/99794).

“Your gift will continue the work Jay began, reaching students and those who teach and mentor them. Thank you for honouring Jay’s life with your generosity,” said his family.

He was the only child for his mother and is survived by her, his father Ron Williams, and five siblings.