Uncrowned Community Builders

Born in GHANA West Africa, Dr Augustine Ebun Diji relocated to the United States in 1969. He received his BS Degree in his homeland of GHANA in physics and was admitted to the Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1955 to study medicine. He graduated with honors with a BS in physiology and MD in 1961 from The Queens University of Belfast, Northern Ireland. In 1963 Augustine received licenses to practice medicine in the United Kingdom (Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales).

In 1966 Augustine received certification in Internal Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and certification in Psychiatry from the Royal College of Physicians of London and the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Augustine served as Director of Forensic Services at a psychiatric facility in Accra, GHANA and was a instructor in physiology at Ghana Medical School, Accra GHANA FROM 1967 TO 1969. He also received permanent standard certification with the Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates in 1969.

In 1970 Augustine begin his "community building" in Western New York when he relocated to the United States in 1969 and, received by endorsement a license to practice medicine and surgery in 1970. He had a special fellowship in the Department of Psychiatry at SUNY Buffalo, Erie County Medical Center. He also became staff Psychiatrist at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center and later was appointed as Medical Unit Chief responsible for administrative and clinical responsibilities.

Augustine became Acting Clinical Director at Buffalo Psychiatric Center from 1978 to 1979 and later Acting Executive Director. He also served as president of the Medical Dental Staff from 1975 to 1977 and again from 1985-1988. Augustine was one of the first black psychiatrists to open a private practice in the city of Buffalo providing much needed psychiatric Services to African Americans. In addition to his private practice, Augustine provided much needed services to numerous licensed clinics and was on staff with admitting privileges at two local hospitals. Augustine was Clinical Assistant professor, Department of medicine, State University at Buffalo and also consultant to many psychiatric agencies in Western New York including Forensic Services.

Augustine was also certified by the Workers Compensation Board, from 1972-2001 and was a provider/Network Examiner for the National Independent Medical Network Inc.

Augustine's professional memberships included the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, Western New York Psychiatric Society, and life time member of the Medical Society of the County of Erie.

Augustine worked on the Board of Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers and made many contributions to multiple service agencies in the Western New York area. His belief in educating African Americans and promoting higher education especially minority physicians, prompted Augustine to support many scholarship projects assisting minority medical students. He was also a financial contributor to many needed services and organizations in Western New York.

Dr. Digi was from the Yoruba tribe, a tribe known to stress education and entrepreneurship. This tribal membership had a major impact on Dr. Diji. He was honored and well esteemed in the Akim-Oda town of Ghana. The town contained solely European doctors, as a result it was of great pride when Dr. Diji, an African doctor, received his medical degree in the United Kingdom. The town gathered for a large two day celebratory ceremony in Dr. Diji's honor. This was a celebration primarily held for doctors and priests.

Augustine was married to Gladys Jean Diji and, they have 5 children Augustine, Angela, Blondina, Lisa. and Tameka. They have 13 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

Dr. Diji is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, New York.