Say It with a Smile – Remembering Joseph Drummond of Saint John, New Brunswick

Say It with a Smile – Remembering Joseph Drummond of Saint John, New Brunswick

By

F. Stanley Boyd

My personal and first recollection of Joe Drummond was at a Human Rights conference in Ottawa. Joe was hard not to see. With a size 15 shoe and standing larger than life, towering over everyone, with a low rumbling voice, he was matter of fact. He sugar-coated nothing, but he said and I always remember this: “Say it, with a smile.”

I took one big gulp when I saw him, towering like a magnificent lion over everyone and wearing the finest “African robes” I’d ever seen.

My deepest and personal thought that I am prepared to share was: “Okay, here comes a nut case.” But of course, he was nothing like that.

He was the dedicated human rights champion for all of us. Those black people inside and outside of prison he championed. He was outspoken and beloved, or at least respected by all. What else for which can a Black man hope.

He had many friends inside prison and after Joe’s death the Black Inmates Association of Dorchester Penitentiary held a testimony dinner and tribute to Joseph Drummond of Saint John, New Brunswick.

Mrs. Drummond attended the dinner and heard the finest testimonies ever given.

“Our brother Joe was always here. Joe was the first brother to start a Black Culture Class for us Black inmates.” One inmate said, adding “if there was anything we needed or any personal problem, Joe was willing to help us.”

Joe’s life was celebrated by many: by senators, by journalists, leading businessmen and I think everyone he came in contact with has his, or her own story of Mr. Joseph Drummond of Saint John, New Brunswick.

My favorite will always be: “Say, it with a smile, but say it.”

Brother George F. McCurdy, executive director of the Nova Scotia Human Rigts Commission, said: “Joe Drummond, a friend and a brother, was a combination of Malcolm X, Karenga, King and Stokely.”

“Joe Drummond was a drum major for justice, equality and the affairs of Black people.” Buddy Daye said, Board member Black United Front of Nova Scotia.

Brother Roy Wellington States, executive secretary, National Black Coalition of Canada, said, “Old sailors never die, they only fade away... See you on parade Joe.”

Joe died January 13, 1975 of a heart related condition at which time he was the National Black Coalition of Canada’s Vice-Chairman.

F. Stanley Boyd (c) February 15, 2006