Donald Oliver, retired senator, lawyer, and co-founder of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, has died at age 86. He was the first Black man appointed to the Senate of Canada. Photo: donaldoliver.com
Donald Oliver, a retired senator, lawyer, and one of the founding members of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, has died at the age of 86.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston called Oliver “a courageous trailblazer,” noting his legacy of service, advocacy, and leadership. “He proudly represented Nova Scotia for over two decades with grace, wisdom and a relentless commitment to inclusion and justice,” Houston said in a statement.
Houston added that Oliver’s work focused on championing issues of diversity, equity, human rights, and economic empowerment, and that his integrity elevated Nova Scotia on the national stage.
Oliver made history in 1990 as the first Black man appointed to the Senate of Canada, representing Nova Scotia for more than two decades until his retirement in 2013.
Prior to his time in Ottawa, he was a lawyer, educator, and a key figure in the creation of the Black Cultural Centre in Cherry Brook, which opened its doors in 1983.
Russell Grosse, CEO of the Black Cultural Centre, also paid tribute, describing Oliver as a “pioneer” who was instrumental in the centre’s founding and development into a respected national institution.
Grosse announced Oliver’s death in a Facebook post Wednesday, noting he had passed away after a long battle with cardiac amyloidosis.
