Justice Donald McLeod Inspires Students During Black History Month

Students and staff gathered in Ketchum Auditorium Tuesday morning for an insightful and thought-provoking assembly featuring Justice Donald F. McLeod, a distinguished judge, litigator, and advocate for social justice. His visit sparked meaningful conversations about perseverance, character, and the power of understanding one another.

 

Justice McLeod, appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice in 2014, has dedicated his career to advocating for equity and human rights. Before becoming a judge, he led The McLeod Group, a Toronto-based firm specializing in criminal, administrative, and human rights law. His passion for advocacy extends beyond the courtroom, as he serves as an adjunct professor at Queen’s University Law School and a guest lecturer at Osgoode Hall Law School.

 

Throughout his talk, Justice McLeod shared powerful personal stories and lessons. He spoke about the importance of knowing and understanding others before being able to fight for them, a theme he illustrated through a story from his time working for the Harriett Tubman Organization and a reference to the intense first nine seconds of the Canada vs. USA Four Nations Cup hockey game last Saturday, where players immediately engaged in three fights. He reminded students, “Unless you know me, you can’t fight for me.”

 

Reflecting on his academic journey, Justice McLeod admitted that he was not always an exceptional student, but through hard work, he was able to shape himself into the person he wanted to become. “My back then is very different than my right now,” he said, reinforcing that growth is always possible with dedication and perseverance.

 

One of the most impactful moments of the assembly was when Justice McLeod acknowledged the brotherhood at St. Andrew’s and encouraged students to recognize and understand the experiences of those with different backgrounds. “There is a brotherhood that happens here. I think it’s important for this brotherhood to understand that there are some brothers in your midst that are racialized, that are different than you, and that you need to understand their past, where they came from.”

 

Justice McLeod also emphasized that character defines who you are and urged students not to give up too easily – a lesson he would have told his 15-year-old self. He shared that his decision to become a lawyer stemmed from a deep desire to be heard, explaining that growing up, it often felt like no one was listening.

 

Justice McLeod’s message resonated deeply with the students, leaving them with a powerful call to action. As the assembly ended, Arinze G., a Grade 12 student, captured the sentiment in the room, reflecting on the impact of Justice McLeod’s words. “Hearing about your journey of resilience and courage, your challenges and your accomplishments and triumphs, and your generosity and giving back to your community are truly inspirational,” Arinze shared. “We have learned a lot, and we will be sure to put your words into practice.”

 

Justice McLeod’s visit was a meaningful reminder of the importance of perseverance, empathy, and standing up for others. His words will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our school community.