By Suzanne Robicheau |
Speaking at the funeral of his good friend wasn’t an easy task for Senator Wilfred Moore, but it presented an opportunity to gather support for a lasting legacy to Graham Leo Downey, Senior, Halifax’s first African Nova Scotian Councillor and Deputy Mayor.
“Service was at the heart of everything Graham did,” said Senator Moore. “From coaching bantam hockey and assembling a multi-racial baseball team that went on to become Maritime Junior Champions, to 26 years on Halifax City Council and running the Arrows Night Club with his late brother, Billy, Graham was a builder in the maturing of Halifax and a powerful force for racial harmony.”
With the blessing of Graham Downey’s widow, Ardith, Senator Moore ended his eulogy by announcing the establishment of a bursary in Graham Downey’s name for African Nova Scotian students attending Saint Mary’s University.
“It was the first time I ever witnessed a standing ovation at a funeral service,” he recalls.
Heartened by the response, Moore and a team of volunteers, including Graham’s close friend, Michael Tynes, led a fundraising campaign that garnered the support of dozens of proud Saint Mary’s alumni—including many members of Graham’s and Ardith’s family—as well as members of the African Nova Scotian community and other friends. By pulling together, they raised enough to establish a permanent endowment that will annually provide a $1,000 award.
“It’s a testament to the high regard in which Graham was held and the great things that can happen when donors from the greater community and loyal Santamarians get together to honour a friend,” says Moore.
On a warm summer morning, almost a year after Graham Downey’s passing on September 5, 2015, Ardith Downey, Ardith’s and Graham’s son, Chris, and Senator Moore arrived on Saint Mary’s campus to meet Mishayla Gray, the first recipient of the Alderman Graham Downey Bursary.
“Thank you,” said Mishayla. “This really helps me. It’s such a good feeling to know that my effort is recognized, and a special honour to receive an award that pays tribute to such a remarkable man.”
A competitive volleyball player who was born and raised in Halifax, Mishayla plans to take a break from athletics—at least during her first year in the Commerce Program at the Sobey School of Business. “I want to settle in before I get involved with extra-curriculars,” she says. “People are counting on me to do well and school definitely comes first.”
Fundraising continues for the Alderman Graham Downey Bursary. You may contribute to the bursary online at www.smu.ca/downey. You may also contact the Development Office at 902-420-5496 or email development.office@smu.ca for more information about making a gift in honour of Graham Downey.
