Wednesday 19 March 2025
Carleton U Social Work Department honours Jaqueline Lawrence and Adrienne Coddette at post Black History Month event
by Professor Allison Everett
Each year, Carleton University’s School of Social Work hosts its Black History event in March because Black History is Every Month, and learning about diverse communities should be ongoing outside of designated months and days. This year, we focused on high school outreach, ensuring students, especially those from marginalized communities, see themselves in post-secondary spaces and know they belong.
We were honoured to partner with the Ottawa Carleton District School Board’s @ottawacarletondsb Black Youth Forum (BYF) course, led by Adrienne Coddett, Jacqueline Lawrence, and Patsy Agard. This Afrocentric, experiential learning model supports Black high school students in research, problem-solving, and post-secondary planning.
On Wednesday, we welcomed the 8th BYF cohort to Carleton University for a truly impactful evening, including:
Conversations with Black faculty, staff & President Wisdom Tettey A campus tour & Q&A on university life A Fishbowl Conversation led by students, creating space for real & heartfelt discussions Afro-Caribbean food catered by Aramark
We were also excited to recognize OCDSB educator, Adrienne Coddett and equity advisor, Jacqueline Lawrence with the Carleton University School of Social Work’s Lifetime Achievement Awards for their work in education, advocacy and social justice.
Deep appreciation to the Black History Committee, led by Professors Allison Everett, Melissa Redmond & Beth Martin, for making this event possible. A huge thank you to @dj.velvet for keeping the musical vibes alive and to our incredible MSW student hosts Dylan, Abigail, and BSW student, Precious, for guiding the evening beautifully. A huge shout out to the social work students who also volunteered at the event!
This was an unforgettable event, and we can’t wait to continue this work. See you in 2026 for our next Black History is Every Month event! Stay tuned.
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by Sarah Onyango
On March 19, 2025, in front of students, faculty and administrators, Adrienne Coddett and Jacqueline Lawrence received the Carleton University School of Social Work’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. This accolade honors the outstanding contributions of two exceptional individuals whose lifelong dedication to social justice, education, advocacy, and community impact has left a lasting legacy. Their dedication has not only shaped countless lives but has also strengthened the School of Social Work’s Black History Committee, where they have been valued partners and contributors for over six years.
The unsuspecting recipients received their awards during a Black History Month event themed “Black History is Every Month: Elevate and Empower: Black youth Shaping Tomorrow”, which included a dialogue between Black youth Forum participants and Carleton University professors, including recently installed 17th President and Vice-Chancellor, dr. Wisdom Tettey.
Adrienne Coddett is a visionary educator, community leader, mentor, and advocate whose commitment to equity and empowerment has left a fixed mark on the lives of many. A lifelong Ottawan, Adrienne has dedicated herself to uplifting youth, particularly Black youth, ensuring they have the resources, platforms, and opportunities to thrive.
As a high school educator and the lead for the Black Youth Futures course, Adrienne has been a fierce advocate for culturally responsive curriculum and has worked tirelessly to create spaces where Black students feel seen, heard, and valued. She is the architect behind the annual Black Youth Conference Day, providing a forum for Black youth to express themselves, explore their identities, and connect with their heritage. Through this initiative and many others, she has not only fostered academic excellence but has also nurtured a sense of pride and belonging.
Beyond the classroom, Adrienne’s influence extends far and wide. She has been a driving force in raising awareness about the global impact of HIV/AIDS among youth, galvanizing Ottawa’s Black communities to take action on both local and international stages. Her leadership in the International Black Youth Summit has empowered young people to engage in global conversations about justice, equity, and activism.
In the realm of sports, Adrienne has used basketball as a transformative tool for young men, co-founding the Ottawa Phoenix competitive basketball team and mentoring countless athletes, many of whom have gone on to become some of Canada’s best players. Her dedication to youth development transcends the game itself, as she instills values of discipline, leadership, and resilience in all those she coaches.
Adrienne is also a powerful voice in Ottawa’s Black community through her work as co-host of Black on Black, a long-standing public affairs radio show on CHUO 89.1 FM. For over 17 years, Black on Black has served as an essential platform for discussions on Black issues, culture, and politics, informing and engaging the community on topics that matter most.
Through her organization, 3Dreads and a Baldhead, Adrienne has created a network of programs that uplift and empower Black communities. From the Be More Academy to Young Sisters Book Club and BlackYouthaPalooza, her initiatives are designed to maximize the physical, mental, spiritual, and economic potential of individuals. Additionally, her leadership in Ottawa’s annual Walk With Excellence has solidified a meaningful rite of passage for Black high school graduates, celebrating their achievements and encouraging their continued success.
Adrienne has served on numerous boards, including Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre and House of Paint Urban Arts and Culture Festival, and has been a judge for the Future Black Female essay contest. Her passion for mentorship and education is also reflected in her work as Head of Canadian and World Studies at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, where she has developed curriculum that fosters a more inclusive and just learning environment.
Her academic achievements further highlight her dedication to lifelong learning. With degrees from the University of Ottawa, Concordia University – Portland, and Howard University, Adrienne has used her knowledge and expertise to drive change in both educational and community settings.
As the Diversity and Equity Coordinator at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Jacqueline Lawrence has been a trailblazer in fostering partnerships that drive meaningful change in our educational systems and broader communities. Through her strategic leadership, she has worked diligently to integrate and measure diversity and equity principles, ensuring they are embedded within institutional priorities.
Jacqueline’s impact extends far beyond the walls of the school board. Her impressive career spans over three decades, during which she has held influential roles across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. As a former Policy Advisor on Diversity Management at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), she championed corporate diversity initiatives, shaping policies that continue to impact the workplace today. As a consultant specializing in labour market research, communications, and diversity strategies, she empowered organizations to build inclusive frameworks, develop equitable policies, and embrace the richness of diverse communities.
Her leadership journey also includes serving as a Parliamentary Assistant, speechwriter, and Executive Director for organizations that have advocated for women’s rights, labour market equity, and multiculturalism in Canada. Jacqueline’s work with the National Women’s Reference Group on Labour Market Issues and the Multicultural Women’s Association exemplifies her commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and advancing equity at every level.
Jacqueline is more than a skilled strategist and policymaker, she is also an artist, a storyteller, and a mentor. Her passion for writing poetry, facilitating conversations on anti-racism, and co-hosting Black on Black, a community public affairs program on CHUO 89.1 FM, reflects her deep belief in the power of words, dialogue, and storytelling to foster change. Through her work with the International Black Summit, she has created spaces for transformative discussions that inspire both personal and collective empowerment.
Jacqueline’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the lives of so many students, educators, policymakers, and community leaders alike. She has not only advocated for systemic change but has also built bridges, nurtured future leaders, and ensured that the next generation inherits a more just and inclusive society.