Jan. 21 is Lincoln Alexander Day

On Nov. 28, 2013, the legislative assembly of Ontario declared Jan. 21 of each year Lincoln Alexander Day, citing Alexander’s life as “an example of service, determination and humility.” In 2015, Lincoln Alexander Day was observed for the first time across Canada.

Lincoln MacCauley Alexander, PC, CC, OOnt, CD, QC (Jan. 21, 1922 - Oct. 19, 2012) was one of the first blacks to serve in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He later became a lawyer and • The first black member of Parliament in the House of Commons; • The first black federal cabinet minister, serving as federal minister of labour; • The first black chair of the Worker’s Compensation Board; • The 24th lieutenant-governor of Ontario, from 1985 to 1991; and • The first person to serve five terms as chancellor of the University of Guelph, from 1991 to 2007.

Alexander’s titles and honours also include: • Member of the Order of Ontario; • Knight of the Order of St. John ; • Member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada (PC); • Companion of the Order of Canada. Fran Morrison B.C. Black History Awareness Society