Lincoln Alexander School students celebrate Linc day
School's motto Share, Care, Believe, Achieve represents the late politician
Students at Lincoln Alexander Public School are encouraged to live their life through the school’s official motto, “Share, Care Believe, Achieve.”
A simple phrase but a powerful reminder of what Lincoln M. Alexander stood for and believed in, says principal Mark Hopkins.
“We talk about Lincoln Alexander and try to represent those values all through the school year,” said Hopkins.
The public school held an assembly Wednesday to celebrate Canada’s first official Lincoln M. Alexander Day. January 21 was Alexander’s birthday.
Lincoln M. Alexander was Canada’s first black Member of Parliament and served as MP for Hamilton West from 1968-1980. He was Ontario’s Lieutenant-governor from 1985 to 1991.
We talk about Lincoln Alexander and try to represent those values through the school year- Mark Hopkins, Principal Lincoln M. Alexander Public School
Minister of Multiculturalism Jason Kenney spoke to students about Alexander’s life in the war and politics, his commitment to equal rights, and working hard to achieve goals.
Kenney also told spoke about Hamilton’s history in the Underground Railroad.
Students take lessons from Linc's life
Chanelle Byfield, 10, shared what she learned about the politician with CBC Hamilton.
“He was a really great man and a big inspiration,” said Chanelle.
Darcy Talbot, 8, said she was happy that Alexander received a lot of awards.
“He did what was right without hesitation,” said Darcy.
The eager students stumped Kenney with a few of their questions about Linc.
After hearing about the late politician’s role as Lieutenant-governor, a Grade 3 student shot his hand up in the air to ask if Alexander was left-handed or right-handed.
Kenney smiled and said he didn't know.
“Did he have a son?” another student asked.
“Yes he did,” said Kenney after stumbling at first and eventually turning to teachers and principal Hopkins for the answer.
Kenney later told the media that he met Lincoln M. Alexander as a teenager and that what struck him about the politician was his dignity as a public servant.
“He was a ground breaker, he overcame remarkable obstacles,” said Kenney.
Hopkins told CBC News that he hopes students will be encouraged to live like Lincoln M. Alexander, by working hard and believing in themselves.
“It’s all about your work ethic or commitment and what you’d like to learn in life,” he said.