Retired Senator and lawyer Donald Oliver, a key figure in the establishment of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, passed away at the age of 86. The Black Cultural Centre’s CEO, Russell Grosse, shared the news of Oliver’s demise on Wednesday, revealing that he succumbed to cardiac amyloidosis after a prolonged struggle.
Describing Oliver as a trailblazer, Grosse emphasized his pivotal role in the creation of the center, which was inaugurated in Cherry Brook in 1983. Coincidentally, Oliver’s passing on September 17 marked the 42nd anniversary of the Black Cultural Centre’s establishment.
Hailing from Wolfville, N.S., Oliver made history in 1990 as the first Black man to be appointed to the Canadian Senate. His distinguished tenure spanned 23 years until his retirement in 2013. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston lauded Oliver’s contributions, highlighting his grace, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to inclusivity and justice.
Oliver’s Senate appointment was a significant milestone that fostered visibility and a sense of belonging for Black Canadians, underscoring the ongoing need for societal change. Despite being diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis in 2015 and initially given a grim prognosis, Oliver defied the odds through experimental treatment.
His resilience and commitment to service were further recognized with appointments to the Order of Canada in 2019 and the Order of Nova Scotia in the following year. Oliver’s memoir, “A Matter of Equality: The Life’s Work of Senator Don Oliver,” was published in 2021, reflecting on his journey and dedication to advancing equality.
Grosse remembered Oliver as a humble individual who prioritized the impact of his work over personal accolades. A memorial service to honor Oliver’s legacy is scheduled for September 27 at New Horizons Baptist Church in Halifax.
