Lewis Coray Trailblazer Awards honour legacy of London’s first Black police officer

Hundreds gathered Wednesday night for the annual Lewis Coray Trailblazer Awards in London, to honour Coray and celebrate trailblazing youth in our community.

“Humble, modest, and honest,” that’s how Stacey Coray described his late father, Lewis Coray.

“I know this would mean a lot to him and my mother,” said Stacey. “This would have meant a lot to them.”

Hundreds gathered Wednesday night for the annual Lewis Coray Trailblazer Awards in London, Ont., to honour Coray and celebrate trailblazing youth in our community.

“Tonight is about being possible,” said Stacey. “For youth to think about being possible, that nothing is impossible.”

Coray was a historic figure best known as the first Black police officer hired by London Police Services back in 1951.

“Many decades later you can see him being a trailblazer,” said Vice President of London Police Association Ozzie Nethersole, “What it has meant for all the officers that followed, including myself.”

Coray joined the force at a time when racial segregation and discrimination were widespread.

Nethersole said he doesn’t want to know what London might have looked like if he hadn’t.

“I don’t want to know a London like that,” said Nethersole. “I grew up in this city, this inclusive city that accepts everyone and is a diverse city.”

Three local students received the award for their commitment to making a difference in our community.

“We’re going to be giving them some scholarships and support as they journey with their education and their leadership journey into life,” said London Chief of Police Thai Truong.

Stacey said he knows his father would be proud of the progress made towards inclusion.

“The community, awareness, moving and pushing the envelope forward for the black community and not only in London but across the country,” said Stacey.