Media Release

For Immediate Release

July 25, 2008

Saint Mary’s community saddened by death of Dr. Pearleen Oliver

The Saint Mary’s University community was saddened today to learn that Dr. Pearleen Oliver, an honorary graduate of Saint Mary’s, has died. She was 91.

Oliver, a long-time leader in the black community in Nova Scotia, was granted a Doctor of Letters from Saint Mary’s in 1990.

Dr. Oliver was a leader in the fight against discrimination against blacks and other minorities in the 1940s and 1950s, founded the Nova Scotian Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and in 1947, crusaded successfully for the admission of black women to nursing schools in Canada. She was named the first woman moderator of the African Baptist Association in 1976.

Dr. Oliver was noted as a skilled public speaker, passionate social activist, insatiable reader and dedicated historical writer. In her convocation address to the Saint Mary’s University graduating class in 1990, she encouraged all young people to unite to face the challenges of our time – injustice, racism and environmental degradation. Her words are as applicable today as they were then.

“I have every faith in the youth of today. Around our fragile earth, and in increasing numbers, we see white hands, black hands, brown hands, red hands and yellow hands clasping in fellowship, love and unity,” said Dr. Oliver. “These are the hands of the world’s children and youth who are dedicated to clean our earth-home of poisons and pollutants. Likewise injustice, based on pigmentation, is also deadly. This too, is their challenge. Such a kaleidoscope of colorful, strong and trained minds and hands is our hope for the future. This is my personal hope for the 21st century.”    

A release from the Black Cultural Centre says visitation will take place Tuesday at the Atlantic Funeral Home on Bayers Road from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Cornwallis Street United Baptist Church, led by Rev. Rhonda Britton.

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For more information:

Blake Patterson
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: blake.patterson@smu.ca
www.smu.ca