1921–2018
Beechwood Cemetery
Section 17 Lot 425
George Ethelbert Carter was born in Toronto, the eldest of 14 children of John and Louise Carter, who emigrated from Barbados in 1920. Raised on Beverley Street, Carter grew up with parents who instilled in their children the value of education and perseverance.
Carter attended Orde Street Public School and Harbord Collegiate Institute, graduating at the top of his class. In 1944, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Trinity College, University of Toronto, where he was the only Black student at the time. That same year, he enlisted in the Canadian Army during World War II.
After his military service, Carter pursued his dream of becoming a lawyer, enrolling at Osgoode Hall Law School and graduating in 1948. Opportunities for Black law students were scarce, but Carter articled with B. J. Spencer Pitt, Ontario’s only Black lawyer, and later with Sydney Harris, a Jewish Canadian lawyer. These visionaries opened doors for future generations of Black lawyers in Canada.
In 1980, Carter made history as the first Canadian-born Black judge, serving on the Ontario Court of Justice for 16 years. His contributions included helping establish Legal Aid Ontario and supporting the Adoption of Coloured Children agency.
Beyond the bench, Carter was a founding member of the National Black Coalition of Canada, the Toronto Negro Veterans and the Toronto Negro Business and Professional Association, among others. His leadership and advocacy shaped opportunities for Black Canadians in the legal community and beyond.
Sources:
• Wikipedia – George Ethelbert Carter
• Global News – Black History Month Profile: Judge George Carter
• African American Registry – George E. Carter: First Black Judge in Canada
• Osgoode Digital Commons – George E. Carter (Catalysts Series)
Photos:
• Colour - Michael Chambers.
• Graduation photo - Law Society of Upper Canada Archives. 1948 Photographer: Ashley and Crippen Reference code: P481
