The Canadian Race Relations Foundation commemorates Lincoln Alexander Day and his impact on race relations in Canada

Lincoln Alexander fought with determination for equal rights for all Canadians.

 January 21, 2019 – The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) commemorates the 5th annual Lincoln Alexander Day on January 21, 2019.  As Canadians start the New Year and prepare to celebrate Black History Month in February, it is fitting that the Canadian Race Relations Foundation commemorates the life of one of Canada’s staunchest defenders of racial equality, The Honourable Lincoln Alexander. 

In 1997 Lincoln Alexander was the first Chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation

Prior to that he was a Canadian lawyer who became the first Black Member of Parliament, the first Black federal Cabinet Minister, the first Black Canadian Chair of the Worker's Compensation Board, and the 24th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. He was the first person to serve five terms as Chancellor of the University of Guelph and was also a governor of the Canadian Unity Council. He was appointed as a Companion of the Order of Canada and to the Order of Ontario in 1992. Born in 1922, at a time when Canadian society was rife with racism, Lincoln Alexander advocated against visible minorities being treated as second-class citizens. We remember him today for his dignity and courage, for his commitment to justice and his compassion and humanity. 

Lincoln Alexander’s legacy will live on through the schools and awards that bear his name and through the memories of his long record of dedicated public service. The Canadian Race Relations Foundation will continue to honour his legacy and work to ensure harmonious race relations across Canada.

In its continued efforts to advance race relations in Canada, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation will soon launch a new documentary series entitled Stories about Racism, with the first in this series being RDS vs. A story of race and justice.  A public viewing of this documentary will be offered to the public in late spring 2019.

About the Canadian Race Relations Foundation

The purpose of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation is to facilitate throughout Canada the development, sharing and application of knowledge and expertise in order to contribute to the elimination of racism and all forms of racial discrimination in Canadian society. The work of the Foundation is premised on the desire to create and nurture an inclusive society based on equity, social harmony, mutual respect and human dignity. Its underlying principle in addressing racism and racial discrimination emphasizes positive race relations and the promotion of shared Canadian values of human rights and democratic institutions.