The first Black person to become a councillor in Trafford has been honoured on the 150th anniversary of his birth.
A Blue Plaque was unveiled outside the former home of Edward Theophilus Nelson, who served as a councillor for Hale Urban District Council for 27 years.
The Blue Plaque unveiling on Tuesday was part of Trafford Council’s celebration of Black History Month.
People who attended the unveiling included Cleveland McCurdy, who was born in Guyana like Mr Nelson. John Moss, a lay reader from St Peter’s in Hale where Mr Nelson worshipped, also spoke alongside Altrincham Grammar School headteacher Graeme Wright and Year 12 student Oluwatosin Ariyo.
Trafford Mayor Cllr Amy Whyte also attended the unveiling and spoke about Mr Nelson’s achievements.
She said:
“To become the chair of Hale Council on two occasions shows the trust and esteem he was held in by his colleagues. To become the chair of the Cheshire Urban District Councils Association shows how he was rated by his peers to be someone of supreme ability.
“Truly, he achieved greatness.”
Mr Nelson was born on 22 October 1874. He came to Britain in 1898, to read law at St John’s College, Oxford.
By 1906, he was living at Beech Holme, Stamford Road, Bowdon. A year later he was living at 2 Laurel Bank, Stamford Road and in 1909, he moved to Cecil House, Cecil Road in Hale, where he remained for the rest of his life.
Mr Nelson was a highly respected lawyer. He was defence barrister in two high profile murder trials, managing to save two defendants accused of murder from the gallows.
In 1931, Edward was involved in the establishment of the League of Coloured People, a civil-rights organisation with the goal of racial equality around the world, but particularly in Britain.
Cllr Whyte said:
“He was a man who achieved greatness but who also made sure that others would be able to follow in his footsteps.
“We are delighted to have had trailblazers like him.”
Mr Nelson was a keen sportsman and cricketer and played for the Hale Cricket Club 1st XI. He was awarded the Queen’s Coronation medal before his death in 1940.
A small display of Mr Nelson’s life, organised by Trafford Local Studies, is now on display at Hale Library.
