James R. Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies

Professor Divine, 2nd JRJ Chair ‑ 2005‑2010

 

Professor David Divine

The 2nd James R. Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies, 2005-2010

Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia



As a black man living and working in a world where the colour of one's skin can profoundly affect one's destiny, I can at times be forgiven for being tentative in predicting the outcomes of my actions. To varying degrees, they can often be beyond one's own personal control.

- David Divine


Professor David Divine is a graduate of Edinburgh University (Scotland), Aston University (Birmingham, U.K.), and the London School of Economics (U.K.).

Professor Divine has occupied senior positions in social work administration, social work education, and social housing in the United Kingdom. Professor Divine has also managed his own consultancy company, covering social housing, social care, and health over the past 10 years (1994-2004).

In summary, Professor Divine has extensive experience spanning some 20 years in community development issues operating at practitioner, policy, and academic levels.

Professor Divine's working life has largely involved working with the most disadvantaged communities.

Dr. Divine's research interests

  • community development in impoverished areas
  • social housing
  • community health/care
  • "resilience," both at a communal and personal level
  • social exclusion
  • sexuality, with a particular focus on men from black and other ethnic minority groups
  • international comparative studies
  • history of service delivery to particular communities
  • education and training
  • immigration
  • archival research
  • AIDS/HIV
  • and the social economy as it relates to black and other ethnic minority groups (organizations which express the aspirations of people to contribute in their communities).

Appointments

  • CRRF Board of Directors Appointment (Press release, September 2005).
  • Appointed by the Premier of Nova Scotia, Dr. John F. Hamm,
    to the Selection Committee of four, to review nominations for
    the Premier's Award of Excellence and to select the award winners.
  • Appointed to the Network of Assessors for the Canadian Studies Programme, Department of Canadian Heritage. February 2006.
  • Ambassador's Club, Award of Achievement, 2005.
  • Appointed to the Board of the North End Community Health Association.