William Pearly Oliver facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Reverend
William Pearly Oliver
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William Pearly Oliver, 1934
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| Born | February 11, 1912 |
| Died | May 26, 1989 (aged 77) Lucasville, Nova Scotia
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| Nationality | Canadian |
| Education | BA (1934) BD (1936) Acadia University |
| Alma mater | Acadia University |
| Known for | Instrumental in developing the Nova Scotia Association for the Advancement of Colored People (1945) Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission (1967) Black United Front (1969) Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia (1983) |
| Spouse(s) | Althea Pearleen Borden |
| Children | William P., Philip W. B., Dr. Leslie H., Jules R., and Stephen D. |
| Parents |
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| Relatives | Grandfather, William Oliver, Wolfville |
| Awards | Order of Canada (1985) |
William Pearly Oliver (born February 11, 1912, in Wolfville, Nova Scotia – died May 26, 1989, in Lucasville) was a very important leader for Black Nova Scotians. He worked at the Cornwallis Street Baptist Church for 25 years.
He helped create four major organizations that supported Black communities in the 20th century:
- The Nova Scotia Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NSAACP) in 1945.
- The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission in 1967.
- The Black United Front in 1969.
- The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia in 1983.
William Oliver also played a key role in supporting Viola Desmond's fight against unfair treatment. For his amazing work, he received the Order of Canada in 1984. His wife, Pearleen Borden Oliver, was also a strong supporter of fairness and justice.
Contents
- Early Life and Family
- Education and Sports
- Leading the Cornwallis Street Baptist Church
- Service During World War II
- Fighting for Rights with the NSAACP
- Work with the Department of Education
- Creating the Black United Front
- Founding the Black Cultural Centre
- Community Involvement
- Awards and Recognition
- Personal Life
- See also
Early Life and Family
William Oliver's family had a long history in Nova Scotia. His great-great-grandfather was one of about 2,000 Black Loyalists. These were Black people who came to Nova Scotia after the War of 1812.
His grandfather, William Oliver, worked at Acadia University for many years. William Pearly Oliver's parents were Clifford Oliver from Wolfville and Dorothy Moore from Halifax. His father also worked at the university. William was born in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, in 1912.
Education and Sports
William Oliver finished Wolfville High School in 1930. He was a talented athlete, captaining both the football and hockey teams that won championships.
He went on to Acadia University. He earned his first degree (BA) in 1934. Then, he completed his Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1936. He was only the third Black person to graduate from a university in Nova Scotia. Because of segregation at the time, he couldn't travel for university sports. Instead, he focused on track and field. He won many long-distance races across Nova Scotia.
Leading the Cornwallis Street Baptist Church
In 1937, after finishing his divinity degree, Oliver became a pastor at the Cornwallis Street Baptist Church in Halifax. This church was very important. It was known as the "Mother Church" of the African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia (AUBA). It was the first church in Nova Scotia owned and run by the Black community.
Reverend Oliver was the youngest minister to serve at the Cornwallis church. Both he and his wife, Pearleen, worked hard. They promoted equal rights in education and jobs. They also supported other Black churches in Nova Scotia. He served the church from 1937 to 1962. He was their longest-serving minister since the church's founder, Richard Preston.
Service During World War II
Reverend Oliver served as a Captain and chaplain during World War II. He helped Black troops from the Canadian army and Merchant Navy stationed in Halifax. He was the only Black chaplain allowed to minister only to Black troops in the segregated city.
Near the end of the war, in 1945, he was inspired by soldiers who had served in desegregated units. He then helped create the Nova Scotia Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NSAACP).
Fighting for Rights with the NSAACP
William Oliver was one of the people who started the Nova Scotia Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NSAACP) in 1945. In 1949, he received a special grant to study education programs in the United States. This was because of his important work with the NSAACP.
The Olivers strongly supported Viola Desmond in 1946. She bravely refused to leave her seat in a segregated movie theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. The NSAACP helped raise money for her legal defense. Even though Viola Desmond lost her court cases, Reverend Oliver believed her actions led to many positive changes in Nova Scotia.
Work with the Department of Education
From 1946 to 1962, Oliver worked part-time for the Nova Scotia Department of Education. He advised them on programs for Black communities. During this time, new education and community development programs were started.
In 1962, Oliver began working full-time for the Department of Education. He became the Regional Representative for Continuing Education in Halifax. He worked until his retirement in 1977. He had six main goals for the Black community:
- Better health and schools.
- Improved homes and farms.
- More jobs.
- Better use of government services.
He helped organize many community services. These included adult education classes and training for small businesses.
Creating the Black United Front
In 1968, Stokely Carmichael from the American Black Panthers visited Nova Scotia. He met with Black community leaders. Oliver didn't agree with all of the Black Panthers' methods. However, he shared their goals for equality.
Oliver, Burnley "Rocky" Jones, and others then created the Black United Front (BUF). This organization continued the work of the NSAACP. The BUF asked leaders for support to:
- Teach African Canadian history and culture in schools.
- Help Black-owned businesses grow.
- Improve housing, education, and job opportunities for Black people.
Founding the Black Cultural Centre
In 1972, Oliver wrote the first plan for a Cultural Educational Centre. This idea became the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, which opened in 1983. The Centre works with many groups to celebrate and preserve Black culture. These groups include the African Nova Scotian Music Association and the Black Loyalist Heritage Society.
Community Involvement
Over the years, William Oliver served on many important boards and committees. He was on the board of directors for Acadia University and the Nova Scotia Home for Coloured Children. He also served on committees for groups like the African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Human Rights and Civil Liberties Federation. He was dedicated to improving life for everyone.
Awards and Recognition
In 1985, William Oliver was given the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors. He received it for his amazing work in advancing civil rights for African Canadians.
The Reverend Dr. W. P. Oliver Hall of Fame at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia is named in his honor.
Personal Life
William Oliver married Pearleen Borden Oliver. She was also a strong supporter of social justice and worked alongside him. They had five sons: William P., Philip W. B., Dr. Leslie H., Jules R., and Stephen D.
See also
