Funeral held for former senator Donald Oliver, remembered as champion of equality

Nova Scotians said farewell to Senator Donald H. Oliver at a memorial service in Halifax.

Former senator Donald Oliver was remembered Saturday as a trailblazer, mentor and champion of equality whose impact was felt well beyond the senate.

Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Canadian Senate, was honoured in Halifax at a funeral service filled with music, poetry and tributes. Friends, family and dignitaries packed the church to pay their respects.

His nephew Peter James, read a poem written by Oliver’s sister and shared a letter of condolence from Prime Minister Mark Carney.

“Throughout this career, his mark on our nation will truly never be forgotten,” Carney wrote. “He was indeed a true champion for diversity, equality, and empowerment.”

Russell Grosse, executive director of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, said Oliver played a crucial role in bringing African Nova Scotian history into the Canadian mainstream.

“His influence was about changing the narrative of Black history in Canada,” Grosse said. “I think the message for future generations is very much in line with the title of his memoir – it’s a matter of equality.”

Reverend Lennett Anderson described the day as ‘historic’, noting the dignitaries and community members who gathered to honour Oliver’s life.

“His impact, his legacy, the indelible mark that he’s left on a generation, we are better, richer because of him,” Anderson said. “But the work is incomplete. He passed the torch for us to continue the fight for equality and justice.”

For younger generations, Oliver’s work opened doors in politics and law.

Law student Lorenze Cromwell, who spoke at the service, said Oliver’s life inspired him to see himself in spaces where he rarely saw representation.

“As a young legal professional, it meant the world to see myself in law and politics,” Cromwell said. “What he’s done is groundwork and foundation work for us to continue progress.”

Oliver made history in 1990 when he became the first Black man appointed to the Senate. He served until his retirement in 2013.

He was appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia and the Order of Canada for his contributions to his community and country.

Oliver passed away earlier this month at age of 85.

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