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The Honourable Lincoln Alexander: A Trailblazing Canadian Politician and Statesman

Rob Foster

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Published in Go To School You Re A Little Black Boy: The Honourable Lincoln M Alexander: A Memoir

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The Honourable Lincoln Alexander, A Prominent Canadian Politician, Diplomat, And Statesman Go To School You Re A Little Black Boy: The Honourable Lincoln M Alexander: A Memoir

The Honourable Lincoln MacCauley Alexander, PC, OC, QC (January 21, 1922 – October 19, 2012),was a trailblazing Canadian politician, diplomat, and statesman who made significant contributions to Canadian society.

Go to School, You're a Little Black Boy: The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander: A Memoir

by Alex Ivanov

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7973 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages

Early Life and Education

Lincoln Alexander was born in Toronto, Ontario, to Marine and Mae Rose Alexander. His father immigrated to Canada from St. Vincent in the Caribbean, while his mother was of part-Scottish and part-Black Nova Scotian descent. Alexander attended Harbord Collegiate Institute and later served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II.

After the war, Alexander studied at McMaster University and Osgoode Hall Law School. He became a lawyer in 1953, specializing in criminal law.

Political Career

Alexander's political career began in 1968 when he was elected to the House of Commons of Canada as the Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for Hamilton West.

Alexander served in several Cabinet positions under Prime Ministers Joe Clark and Brian Mulroney, including Minister of Labour (1979-1980),Minister of Employment and Immigration (1980-1984),and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women (1984-1985). Notably, he became the first Black Canadian to hold a federal Cabinet position.

Diplomatic Service

In 1991, Alexander was appointed Canada's High Commissioner to Jamaica by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. He served in this diplomatic role until 1994.

Return to Politics

Alexander returned to politics in 1997 when he was appointed to the Senate of Canada by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. He served as a Senator until his retirement in 2005.

Legacy and Honours

Lincoln Alexander's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to promoting equality and social justice.

In recognition of his contributions, Alexander received numerous honours and awards, including:

Order of Canada (1985)
Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship (1991)
Honorary Doctorate of Laws from McMaster University (1993)
Order of Ontario (1998)

Additionally, several institutions, schools, and scholarships have been named in his honour.

Personal Life

Lincoln Alexander married Yvonne Harrison in 1952. They had two children, Keith and Karen.

Alexander passed away on October 19, 2012, at the age of 90. He is remembered as a trailblazing figure who made a lasting impact on Canadian society.

The Honourable Lincoln Alexander was a remarkable Canadian whose achievements and contributions continue to inspire generations. His unwavering commitment to equality and social justice has left an enduring legacy on Canadian politics and society.

Go to School, You're a Little Black Boy: The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander: A Memoir

by Alex Ivanov

4.6 out of 5