Senator Donald Oliver (b November 16, 1938) - Did you know that in February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced a motion to have the Senate officially recognize February as Black History Month? A lawyer and developer, Oliver is a member of Nova Scotia ’s Black community. With deep and long ties to Canadian culture and history, Oliver is the nephew of Canadian opera singer Portia White, politician Bill White, labor union activist Jack White, and is the cousin of political strategist Shelia White. Oliver is said to be a descendant of slave refugees who came to Canada during the War of 1812. Senator Oliver was appointed to the Senate at the recommendation of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney on September 7, 1990. Senator Oliver’s motion to recognize February as Black History Month received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008. For more details visit the website of Citizenship and Immigration Canada where information about Black History Month is highlighted. For more you may visit:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/multiculturalism/black/index.asp
FACTOID: February 14, 1818 is often regarded as the birthday of Fredrick Douglass, leader of the U.S. Abolitionist Movement, a fierce fighter for freedom known for his ant-slavery writings and oratorical skills. Maceo Parker, American funk and soul Jazz saxophonist, will also celebrate his birthday today.
