LEADING THE WAY

   Encouraged by their families and the inspiration of their church, there have been many individuals from the Black community who have become well known and highly respected far beyond Pictou County's borders. The following list includes some of these people who have represented well their people and their country:

J. Calbert Best, Canadian High Commissioner in Trinidad and Tobago and holder of several former senior federal government positions in Canada and Great Britain

Dr. Carrie Best, author, activist and journalist; publisher of Nova Scotia's first Black newspaper, "The Clarion", recipient of an Honourary Doctorate of Law degree from Saint Francis Xavier University as well as many other national awards, including The Order of Canada

Captain George Borden, career officer, Royal Canadian Air Force; First Black Executive Assistant to a Provincial Cabinet Minister

Lester Borden, First Black from Pictou County to graduate from Police Academy, Holland College, P.E.I.

Walter Borden, internationally known Canadian actor and playwright

Delmore "Buddy" Dave, First Black Sergeant-at-Arms in the Nova Scotia Legislature, Canadian Junior Lightweight Boxing Champion

Cassandra Dorrington, First Black in Pictou County to receive her C.M.A.

Francis Dorrington, Councillor, Town of New Glasgow; First Black elected official in Pictou County (served as Deputy Mayor for 5 years); First Black elected to Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities; First Black on the Executive of the Nova Scotia School Board Association; First Black on the executive of Recreation Association of Nova Scotia (R.A.N.S.)

Lyndon Dorrington, First Black from Pictou County to graduate from the R.C.M.P.

Gussie (Borden) Ellis, First Black to receive her R.N. from the Aberdeen Hospital School of Nursing

Yvette (Lawrence) Maxwell, First Black Teacher in Trenton

Pearleen (Borden) Oliver, well known author and educator, First Women Moderator of the African United Baptist Association

Ann (Johnson) Paris, First Black Teacher in Pictou County

Cherry M. Paris, First Black Teacher in New Glasgow

Francis Paris, Owner of the first Black Business in downtown New Glasgow

Dr. Peter J. Paris, First Black University Graduate from New Glasgow; First Black Valedictorian at New Glasgow High School; First Black Ph. D. in Religion in Canada; First Black Nova Scotian to receive an Honourary D.D. from McGill University and third Black to receive one from Acadia University; First Black Nova Scotian to work in Africa

Roy States, (deceased) nationally recognized historian

In the field of education the following school teachers continue the path forward:

Joan Borden, Thorburn Consolidated

Adriane Dorrington, New Glasgow High

Jocelyn Dorrington, New Glasgow High 

Berma Marshall, Temperance Street 

Ronald Paris, New Glasgow Junior High

Margaret (States) Knight, (a former temporary teacher) New Glasgow High

    Many of the heroes of the Black community may not be as well known as others, but in their own way, have done their part.  With changing attitudes and opportunities, a growing number of  Black educators, technologists, tradesmen, clerical workers, medical professionals and business people are now part of Pictou County life.  Further, a growing number of our youth are successfully pursuing university degrees in a variety of fields.

    Some have become involved in a number of Pictou County organizations - the Royal Canadian Legion, Pictou County Council of Women, the IODE, the Aberdeen Hospital Auxiliary, the Board of the Children's Aid Society, The St. John Ambulance Brigade and other service organizations and community groups.  Others have received provincial volunteer awards for their efforts and still others have had successful professional, business and military careers.  Each in their own way is setting an example for those who will follow toward a promising future.