Lincoln Alexander Hailed as “Black Hero” by Activists
But it’s highly unlikely he would agree with current “anti-racists” about much
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By Igor Stravinsky (Teacher, commentator)
2025 marks the third year the Toronto Raptors basketball team has sponsored the Canadian Black Heroes Essay Writing Contest.
According to the Peel District School Board
Grade 8 students were challenged to write a 500-word essay about the honourable Lincoln Alexander and how his achievements in politics, education and public service paved the way for Canadians and Black excellence. To assist students with their research, classes participated in a virtual information session with Erika Alexander, Lincoln Alexander’s granddaughter, to learn more about his accomplishment.
So some 13-year-old kids were given the name of a black person and then provided the content of a short essay which they were to compose. Presumably, the winner was someone who regurgitated and organized the information in a manner most pleasing to the organizers who are keen to include Alexander in their narrative of black oppression in Canada.
But what would the man himself make of these “anti-racists”, who scorn Martin Luther King Jr.’s message, best known by his famous “I have a dream” speech, in which he said "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character"? By contrast, today’s anti-racists are obsessed with race and reject merit in favour of “diversity” targets. It is worth remembering that Alexander was a member of the Progressive Conservative party (today known as simply the Conservative party) of Canada.
Lincoln MacCauley Alexander, January 21, 1922 – October 19, 2012, was born in Toronto, Ontario, the son of Caribbean immigrants. His father, Lincoln McCauley Alexander Sr, was from St. Vincent and the Grenadines and his mother Mae Rose (née Royale) was from Jamaica.
In the early twentieth century there were very few blacks in Toronto and the young Lincoln Alexander often found himself the only black kid in his classes at school. He was raised during his youth by two parents and his father was reportedly very strict.
Overtly racist people were common then. Even mid-century, Alexander recalled being refused service in a restaurant due to his race. Nevertheless, most Canadians saw past his race and recognized him for his talents and abilities. Institutions were colour-blind, for the most part, and he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from McMaster University and a law degree from Osgood Hall. He was embraced in his adopted town of Hamilton Ontario where he served 12 years as an MP, going on to be Minister of Labour and later Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. These are just a few highlights. His list of accomplishments is long. By the end of his long life, he was celebrated widely as a great Canadian.
Lincoln Alexander is an excellent role model for all kids. His response to bigotry and prejudice was to break down stereotypes by working hard and accomplishing great things. His work ethic and desire to serve the public, few of whom were black, is in fact the best possible response to racist elements within society. He never asked for special treatment nor did he expect any shortcuts or handouts and would have thought anyone who suggested black people need such things was in fact engaging in a kind of soft bigotry. Every indication is that he would have found that insulting.
Alexander went on to be Chancellor of the University of Guelph. This is the fine institution where today they have “students of colour” lounges, places from which white students are prohibited so as to provide a “safe space” for others where they are protected from “microaggressions”. I see him turning over in his grave.
In the same manner that any kid could be inspired by the story of Lincoln Alexander, who persevered through adversity of various kinds to lead an exemplary life of service, a black boy could be inspired by the story of any man or woman who struggled through difficulties to make contributions towards the betterment of humanity. The idea that black kids need black role models is misguided and reinforces racial grouping when we should be breaking it down.
The Peel District School Board thinks black kids need to “see themselves” in every conceivable profession and walk of life in order to dream to get there. Lincoln Alexander’s life and accomplishments puts the lie to this narrow and divisive vision which assumes kids are as race obsessed as the activists. In reality, young kids see colour but are completely unaware of racial stereotypes and prejudices until adults inculcate these things into them. They like teachers who are passionate about learning, kind, helpful, and who genuinely care about kids.
The activists running our school boards clearly want to turn kids into race-conscious woke warriors, seeing injustice at every turn. Racial tensions and divisions are the activists’ bread and butter. The more the better to justify their “anti-racist” crusade, which has spawned a massive bureaucracy with them at the center.
This contest is taking kids backwards when it comes to realizing their human potential by telling them that their heroes and role models have to be people who are the same race as they are. This is extremely limiting and is an insult to the memory of Lincoln Alexander, who transcended racial barriers all his life. Shame on his grand-daughter for having anything to do with it.
Thanks for reading. For more from this author, read It’s Black History Month Again
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So U Guelph now has a 'students of colour' lounge...DAMN ,how the hell did that happen ? Thanks for the depressing piece I guess and yes, his granddaughter is the sad result.
To the commentators above, I want to clarify that I am (Mrs.) Marni M. Alexander, the white widow of the late Honorable Lincoln Alexander. His life and legacy serve as a testament to the belief that the color of one's skin should not dictate one's potential. Lincoln firmly believed that every individual, regardless of race, is capable of achieving their highest potential through education, hard work and dedication to serving humanity.
He never sought special treatment; instead, he emphasized the importance of putting in the effort and contributing positively to the community. Lincoln's vision extended to all races, religions, and lifestyles, recognizing that everyone deserves acknowledgment for their sincere efforts.
In his inaugural speech in Parliament, he made it clear that he did not want to be viewed solely as a representative of the Black community. Rather, he urged people to evaluate individuals based on the quality of their thoughts and actions, not the color of their skin. If we understand Black history as a vital part of Canada’s narrative, we must focus on the potential for progress that lies within each individual, rather than limiting ourselves to the notion that success requires special treatment.
Moreover, when discussing social issues, it is crucial to back claims with credible sources. For instance, while it may be stated here that "over 70% of Black children in America are raised by single mothers, often with limited education," such assertions should be accompanied by verifiable proof. This approach not only enhances credibility but also elevates the discourse beyond mere alarmism, instead setting an example and allowing for a more constructive conversation about challenges and opportunities that exist for all people.