Alfred Lafferty

Born in Canada to parents who fled slavery in the United States, the late Alfred Lafferty forged an incredible career that included numerous firsts. Known as an excellent student, Lafferty won several academic awards and, after graduating from UC with a BA in Mathematics and Classics, later earned a master’s degree. Following his post-secondary education, Lafferty worked as headmaster at numerous schools and, in 1872, he moved to Guelph and became the first Black principal at a high school in Ontario.  Lafferty would later move to Chatham to work as principal at a new school for Black settlers in the area. During this time, he began studying law. A few years later, he became the first Canadian-born Black lawyer in Ontario. Lafferty passed away in 1912, leaving behind a rich and lasting legacy.