Calvin Ruck facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Calvin Ruck
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Canadian Senator for Nova Scotia | |
| In office 1998–2000 |
|
| Nominated by | Jean Chrétien |
| Appointed by | Roméo LeBlanc |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 25, 1925 Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Died | October 19, 2004 (aged 79) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Political party | Liberal |
Calvin Woodrow Ruck CM (September 4, 1925 – October 19, 2004) was a very important person in Canada. He worked hard to protect human rights. He also became a member of the Senate of Canada. Calvin Ruck was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia. His parents came to Canada from Barbados.
His granddaughter, Lindsay Ruck, wrote a book about his life. It is called Winds of Change: Life and Legacy of Calvin W. Ruck.
Contents
Fighting for Equal Rights in Nova Scotia
Calvin Ruck spent most of his life helping the Nova Scotia Association for the Advancement of Coloured People. This group worked to make life fairer for Black people.
In the 1950s and 1960s, he led protests against businesses in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Some places, like barber shops, would not serve Black people. Calvin Ruck helped change these unfair rules. From 1981 to 1986, he also worked with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. This group helps make sure everyone is treated fairly.
Calvin Ruck also worked very hard to get the Canadian government to recognize Jeremiah Jones. Jones was a Black soldier who showed great bravery during World War I. He was a hero at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
Awards and Recognition
Calvin Ruck received many awards for his important work.
- In 1979, he earned a diploma from the Maritime School of Social Work. This school is part of Dalhousie University. Today, the school gives a special scholarship named after him every year.
- In 1992, he received the Governor General's Commemorative Medal. This award recognized his amazing work in the community.
- In 1994, he was named to the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honours.
Serving in the Senate
In 1998, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien chose Calvin Ruck to join the Senate of Canada. The Senate is a part of Canada's Parliament. He served as a Senator until 2000. He retired when he reached the age of 75.
Calvin Ruck passed away at his home in Ottawa on October 19, 2004. He was 79 years old.
Books About Black Canadian History
Calvin Ruck wrote two books about a special group of soldiers. They were part of Canada's No. 2 Construction Battalion. This was the only all-Black battalion to serve in World War I.
- Canada's Black Battalion: No. 2 Construction, 1916-1920 (ISBN: 0-921201-00-1)
- The Black Battalion : 1916-1920 : Canada's best kept military secret (ISBN: 0-920852-92-0)
