As his single mother worked tirelessly to support his family, it was relatives and close friends that helped raise him. However, these influences ingrained in him that pursuing a legal education was too big a dream for him to achieve.
So, Harry set out to prove them wrong and instead, use his drive to, one day, help those who raised him.
“I believe that community building is essential to changing the perceptions Black and racialized people have of each other and their potential in life,” explained Harry.
“This change begins with being present in racialized groups. The presence of Black and racialized role models in our communities would provide younger generations with support, guidance, and confidence to pursue their dreams because it is possible.”
Harry’s commitment and involvement has made him the Common Law Section’s third winner of the Royal Society of Canada’s Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize.
The Prize, in the amount of $1,000, is presented annually to a graduating law student in each of the law schools in Canada who is most likely to positively influence equity and social justice in Canada or globally. It was created to mark Justice Abella’s retirement from the Supreme Court of Canada in 2021.
"I am incredibly thrilled to receive this award because it recognizes my steadfast commitment to changing perceptions and ensuring that young, racialized individuals realize their dreams regardless of how far reaching they may seem. Receiving this award motivates me to continue my efforts to bring positive change and beyond," says Harry.
He started as a mentor at Youth Assisting Youth (YAY) where he mentored a 10-year-old for three years and watched him develop from a “shy, introverted and untrusting individual to a curious young man who is open to developing strong and trusting relationships, beginning with me.” At McGill University where he did his undergrad in political science and history, Harry volunteered as a mentor in the McGill Black Mentorship Program.
While at Fauteux, he was senior board member on the Ottawa Law Review, a writing leader with the Legal Writing Academy, volunteered as a student member of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers Professional Development Committee, and in his third year was elected the National Chair of the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada, a national student-run organization with a commitment to support and enhance academic and professional opportunities for Black law students across Canada.
Harry, who is now articling at DLA Piper (Canada) LLP in Toronto, says: “I believe that achieving good academic standing, engaging in volunteer service, and demonstrating leadership in community-building demonstrate my commitment to being present in Black and racialized communities, personal growth, and supporting the success of others who share similar experiences.”
Congratulations to Desron Harry on this important award!