Delmore “Buddy” Daye

The Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute is dedicated to excellence in Africentric educational research and practice, with a mission to advancing the academic achievement of African Canadian learners and educators.

Delmore “Buddy” Daye was born in New Glasgow in 1931. As a young man, he moved to Halifax and became a merchant mariner. He first came to public attention as a champion boxer. Always a popular and prominent member of Halifax’s African Nova Scotian community, he was involved in the formation of the city’s Neighbourhood Centre, where he became program director for youth.

A firm believer that violence gets you nowhere, he negotiated with bitter and frustrated young African Nova Scotian leaders and followers to seek solutions to their employment and living problems. In 1971, he was appointed manager of Province House and on Jan. 1, 1990, he became the first African Nova Scotian to hold the post of Sergeant-at-Arms. Outside of his responsibilities, he was a director of the Black United Front, a member of the Halifax Athletic Commission, a member of the Mental Health Association, and a member of the Company of Young Canadians. After his death in 1995, Halifax renamed Gerrish Street between Gottingen and Maynard Streets to Buddy Daye Street.

Source: Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute