Lincoln Alexander Day officially proclaimed in Vaughan

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Mayor’s motion to honour renowned black leader receives unanimous council support

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua issued the following statement after his motion to proclaim January 21 as Lincoln Alexander Day in the City of Vaughan was supported by all Members of Council:
 
“We are pleased to join all Ontarians and Canadians across the nation to officially proclaim January 21 as Lincoln Alexander Day in the City of Vaughan.
 
“Lincoln Alexander was a formidable Canadian. He was the first black Canadian to be elected as Member of Parliament in the House of Commons, to be appointed as a Cabinet minister and later as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. He served an unprecedented five terms as Chancellor of the University of Guelph and was Chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.
 
“Through his many life’s pursuits, Lincoln Alexander demonstrated an extraordinary capacity for public service and what it truly means to give of oneself for the betterment of their community. He was a passionate advocate for the advancement of education, race relations and youth issues. His noble quest for excellence was evident in his many meaningful endeavours and truly reflective of an individual who was deeply rooted in the noble values of integrity, hard work and dedication.
 
“As one of the most culturally rich and diverse cities in Canada, Vaughan proudly celebrates inspirational leadership, diversity and inclusion. Every February, we join communities across the country in marking Black History Month, which provides a significant opportunity to acknowledge the history, values and heritage of the black community and champions, like Lincoln Alexander, who help define it. As we look ahead in anticipation of Black History Month in February, I invite Vaughan residents to learn more about the valued contribution Lincoln Alexander has made to the social, political and cultural fabric of Vaughan and Canada.”
 
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