Donald Oliver, pioneering senator and influential Black Nova Scotian, dead at 86

Donald joseph oliver, a retired senator,  attorney and i of the founding members of the joseph black ethnical Centre for Nova Scotia, has died at age 86.

Russell Grosse, CEO of the Black Cultural Centre, announced Oliver's death in a Facebook post Wednesday, saying he died after a long battle with cardiac amyloidosis.

He described Oliver as a "true pioneer" who was instrumental in the creation of the centre, which opened its doors in 1983 in Cherry Brook.

"It's bittersweet because today, September the 17th, the day of his passing, is also the 42nd birthday of the Black Cultural Centre," Grosse said.

"He's moved the bar for equality for all and ... he's created an opportunity and an important legacy that will never be forgotten."

Born in Wolfville, N.S., in 1938, Oliver made history in 1990 by becoming the first Black man to be appointed to Canada's Senate.

He served for 23 years until his retirement in 2013. 

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said in a statement that the province was lucky to have someone of Oliver's "calibre and integrity on the national stage."

"He proudly represented Nova Scotia for over two decades with grace, wisdom and a relentless commitment to inclusion and justice," the statement said.

A post from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia said "he served with distinction ... Championing diversity, equity, and human rights."

Reflecting on the significance of Oliver's Senate appointment, Grosse said it created a vital sense of visibility and belonging, noting that for too long marginalized communities were not seen as foundational to the country. 

"[Oliver's appointment] was something that created an opportunity where Black Canadians felt that they were being seen."

He said the 1990 milestone serves as a reminder that change is happening, but not at a fast enough pace.

In 2015, Oliver was diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis, a buildup of abnormal proteins in the heart, and given six months to live.

But he defied the odds after seeking experimental treatment, and went on to be appointed to the Order of Canada in 2019. A year later, he was made a member of the Order of Nova Scotia.

His memoir, A Matter of Equality: The Life's Work of Senator Don Oliver, was published in 2021. 

"I'm supposed to be dying ... And I guess I'm not ready, and I don't think the Lord is ready to take me," he said. "And so I feel I must continue to give back."

Despite Oliver's numerous achievements, Grosse said Wednesday he believes his friend and mentor would want to be remembered for the change he helped create. 

"He was a very humble man," Grosse said. "I think that he wanted to be remembered by the capacity that he helped build and the change that's happened across the country."

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27, at New Horizons Baptist Church in Halifax.

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