Lincoln Biography

How did lincoln alexander change canada?

What did he do to change Canada, and a little biography or bibliography would help out

Among the important stories of noteworthy Canadians, Lincoln Alexander’s sits at the top of the list. Born in Toronto in 1922, the son of a maid and a railway porter, Alexander embarked on an exemplary life path that has involved military service for his country and a successful political career, a thriving law practice, and vocal advocacy on subjects ranging from anti-racism to the importance of education.
In this memoir, Lincoln Alexander traces a remarkable series of events from his early life to the present, shaping him as a charismatic and influential leader whose impact continues to be felt today. From facing down racism to challenging post-war Ontario establishment, from becoming Canada’s first black member of Parliament to entertaining royalty as Ontario’s lieutenant-governor, Alexander’s is the ultimate uplifting Canadian success story, the embodiment of what defines Canada.
“Throughout my life I have believed thoroughly in the power of education, and that belief is the grand gift of my mother, Mae Rose, gave me. The title of this book, the quote “Go to school, you’re a little black boy,” is hers, and I have used it to honour her insight and wisdom. Those words, her words, have been a the core of what I have accomplished in this life. She was a mere maid, but her knowledge and foresight transcended her station in life; she knew that accepting defeat was easy, but success was possible, and education was the vehicle to take you there. She was right, and it has.” – The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander
Lincoln M. Alexander graduated from McMaster University and Osgoode Hall law school. Now retired, he is still pursuing a rich and varied life as chancellor of the University of Guelph and member of the board of the Ontario Heritage Trust, the Raptors Foundation, and the Doctor’s Hospital, as well as several other cultural and charitable organizations.
Born in Toronto, Ontario to West Indian immigrants to Canada, Lincoln Alexander first distinguished himself by serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the second World War. In 1953, he graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto.
Alexander then became Canada's first black Member of Parliament when he was elected to the Canadian House of Commons in 1968 as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, representing the riding of Hamilton West. During this period, he was indirectly involved in the famous fuddle duddle incident involving Trudeau, because he spoke to the press over the alleged profanity.
Lincoln Alexander held the seat for the next four successive elections. In 1976 and 1978 he served as an observer to the United Nations. Under the brief government of Joe Clark in 1979-1980, Alexander served as Minister of Labour. He resigned his seat in 1980 to serve as chairman of the Worker's Compensation Board.