Senator Donald Oliver

Speaking Notes
For
The Honourable Donald H. Oliver, Q.C., Senator

World Premiere of the William Hall Play
At the Studio Hall Theatre at the National Arts Centre

Ottawa, Ontario
Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Good afternoon and thank you Ms. Onyango for those kind words.

In 1827, there were no Black professors; no Black Chiefs of Police or Presidents of our universities and colleges in Canada.  Most Black people throughout North and South America were slaves or descendants of slaves just starting to make their way in the world.  My great grandfather was a slave in Virginia, just a few miles from where I met President Obama last September in the Oval Office of the White House.

William Hall was a son of freed slaves. On April 28th, 1827, he was born in a small town in Nova Scotia and went on to win one of the most coveted prizes in the world: the Victoria Cross – the highest Medal of Honor in the British Empire.  He was decorated with this honor for valor and bravery and service to his country – notwithstanding the fact that his parents had been slaves.  He was the first person of African descent, the first Nova Scotian, and the first Canadian sailor to receive this honor.

Like Mandela, and many other Black people around the world, William Hall’s sense of duty and honor stood before any form of revenge or retribution flowing from generations of painful and demeaning suppression during slavery.

William Hall was one of several exceptional Black Canadians who rose beyond slavery to make an indelible imprint on what is Canada.  Students will be reminded of this next month as we launch Black History Month – a month-long celebration that reminds us that African-Canadians have a glorious history – and one that deserves recognition.

For more than 400 years, Blacks have been an integral part of the warp and weave of this great country.  Yet, the stories of Canada’s Black communities are too often forgotten.  William Hall story shows us how one single person can have a lasting impact.

There is a new book that will be on the Canadian market shortly called “How the Blacks Created Canada” by Mr. Fil Fraser.  Here are a few words I wrote in the foreword that I think are appropriate as we launch the new play honoring William Hall.

I wrote:

“The role of Blacks in creating Canada can no longer be ignored or forgotten… Blacks, through the sheer force of character and a never satisfied appetite for change, transformed this nation.  They paved the way forward for the icons and trailblazers of today who continue to define Canada.”

William Hall is one of those trailblazers.  The influence he has had on generations of Blacks is far-reaching.

And William Hall is only one of many famous Black Nova Scotians who have overcome racial prejudice and adversity.  And who have successfully contributed to the creation of our country.  I think of others like:

- George “Little Chocolate” Dixon who in 1888 became the first Canadian-born and the first Black world boxing champion.

 

- James Robinson Johnston.  He was the first Black man to graduate from Dalhousie Law School in 1898.  He paved the way for me and countless others who chose to practice law.  He was a brilliant lawyer and leading humanitarian.

 

- I also think of my half-brother Reverend Dr. William P. Oliver.  He led the way in improving the living conditions for Blacks across the province.  He was the founder of the Nova Scotia Association for the Advancement of Coloured People in 1945.

 

- My aunt and world-renowned singer Portia White was also from Nova Scotia.  My aunt Portia travelled the world selling out concert-halls and captivating audiences with her contralto voice.  In 1964, she even sang for Queen Elizabeth II.

More recently, other Nova Scotians have distinguished themselves as Canada’s Black heroes and trailblazers.  They include:

- Daurene Lewis who in 1984 became North America’s first female Black mayor when the people of Annapolis Royal elected her.

 

- Almost ten years later, on May 25th, 1993, Nova Scotians elected its first Black member of the Legislative Assembly:  Mr. Wayne Adams.  He also became the province’s first member of cabinet.

 

- Nova Scotia is also home to The Honourable Mayann E. Francis, the first African Nova Scotian to hold the position of Lieutenant Governor.

From coast to coast, and throughout our history, hundreds of other African-Canadians have left an enduring mark on our nation.  I think of people like Rose Fortune, Anderson Abbott, Lincoln Alexander, Oscar Peterson, Willie O’Ree, and Donovan Bailey, to name but a few.

Today, next month, and throughout the year, we need to recognize, understand and reflect on the important contributions of these Black leaders.  And of course, William Hall is one of those outstanding individuals.  And he is today’s featured star. 

And on February 1st, Canada Post will issue a new commemorative stamp in his honour.  It is only fitting that we are all gathered today to discover the story of his life.

Thanks to Anthony Sherwood, thousands of young Canadians will discover one of our country’s Black heroes.   Through the actors’ words and actions, the often-forgotten and truly inspiring story of William Hall will unfold before our eyes.

So please, sit back, relax and enjoy the show.