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Robert Sutherland Accomplishments

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Who was Robert Sutherland? Does the name Robert Sutherland ring a bell? You may have heard of his accomplishments and snippets of his inspiring life, but what about the intriguing details? Robert Sutherland was the first-ever Black Canadian university graduate and the first-ever Black Canadian lawyer. Sutherland paved the way for Black Canadians across the country with his immense skill and dedication, he persevered through all ordeals and made history. He had an honourable and fascinating life, from his childhood to his unfortunate death, and is still remembered to this day. Early Life Robert Sutherland was born in Jamaica in 1830. According to a letter written by a close friend named James Maclennan, Robert Sutherland was born to a Scottish …show more content…

He was a keen debater in the Dialect Society during his time as well. He earned numerous academic prizes due to his ability, 14 to be exact. In 1852, Sutherland graduated with honours in classics and mathematics. Making him the first-ever university graduate of colour in Canada. Principal John Machar, a Scottish immigrant and minister, handed Queen’s first Black graduate his diploma. Three years later, Sutherland became British North America’s first Black lawyer. He settled in a charming and peaceful village named Walkerton, south of Owen Sound, and opened a barrister’s practice soon after. He pursued law through apprenticeship and examination (a common practice at the time). He was a lawyer in Canada from Berlin (currently Kitchener), where he became Canada’s first Black lawyer, then in Walkerton (near Owen Sound), where he practiced for over 20 years. Sutherland went on to live in a small house for the remainder of his life. He contended himself with work and helped the community in hopes that Black Canadians would be treated …show more content…

Several months previously, Sutherland began experiencing severe coughing fits; his health deteriorating quickly. He was hospitalized and diagnosed with pneumonia. Sutherland was buried in a Toronto graveyard two days after his death. In appreciation and gratitude, Queen’s university donated a large granite tombstone to his grave, which reads, “May his devotion to his alma mater not pass into oblivion". Sutherland continued to receive numerous awards and much recognition even after his death. He received 14 academic awards during his time at Queen’s university, for example, a general merit award in Latin granted to him by his peers in 1850. After his death, multiple awards were created and awarded to individuals, for example, The Robert Sutherland prize. This prize is presented annually by the Alma Mater Society to a graduating and self-defined student of colour who has shown leadership and initiative at the university, specifically individuals encouraging and promoting diversity on campus. Past participants include 2005-06: Jacqueline Kiggundu, 2006-07: Tka Pinnock, 2007-08: Eden Abraham, Darcel

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