A bronze statue honoring Lincoln M. Alexander revealed at Queen's Park
Today, a gathering took place hosted by Ted Arnott, the Speaker of the Ontario Legislature, along with the LINC Committee. This event coincided with what would have been Alexander's 102nd birthday and marked the 10th anniversary of Lincoln Alexander Day in Canada. The gathering aimed to unveil a statue of Lincoln Alexander at Queen’s Park, a lasting tribute to his life and contributions.
Dwight Drummond, a long-time journalist, served as the
master of ceremonies and highlighted the statue as a permanent commemoration of
Alexander's exemplary life. The statue is intended to hold a place of honor at
Queen’s Park, symbolizing Alexander's dedication to service, humility, and
commitment to racial equity in Canada. Drummond emphasized that the statue
would inspire school children, especially those from racialized communities,
who visit Queen’s Park on school trips.
Ted Arnott praised Lincoln Alexander as one of Canada's
finest public servants, emphasizing his personal decency and trailblazing accomplishments. The Speaker expressed the importance of displaying Alexander's
likeness at Queen’s Park to educate a new generation about his life and
timeless values.
Speaker of the House of Commons Greg Fergus, the first Black
person in this role, acknowledged Linc's impact, describing him as a "man
of firsts" and a "dignified populist." Fergus emphasized
Alexander's dedication to breaking down barriers and challenging the status quo
for everyone's benefit.
Rosemary Sadlier, chair of the bust committee, expressed
pride in the unveiling after a 10-year effort. She highlighted Linc’s
achievements, underscoring the importance of honoring the past for a hopeful
future.
Erika Alexander, Alexander’s eldest granddaughter, expressed
the family's pride in the statue. She noted the personal connection, as she
first visited Queen’s Park in 1985 and always felt inspired by her
grandfather's memory within the building.
The statue, named "Suited for Greatness" by artist
Quentin VerCetty, reflects Alexander's life and journey. VerCetty, inspired by
Alexander's quote about waking up and suiting up to be greater every day, hopes
the statue inspires others to learn about and emulate Alexander's greatness.
The unveiling represents a significant achievement, made possible by various
supporters and individual donors, bringing to life a lasting tribute to a
remarkable Canadian figure.
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