Community News
Launch of historic new project immortalizes Lincoln Alexander in an exciting visual art experience
BY PAUL JUNOR
The launch of an historic groundbreaking project to immortalize the life, legacy, and impact of Ontario’s first Lieutenant-Governor, will be an innovative and creative undertaking. It was on Monday, January 23rd, 2023, that a press release was issued to coincide with the inaugural celebration of Lincoln Alexander Day. It read, “The LINC Project Committee in collaboration with Licensed to Learn (L2L) successfully announced the commission of an artwork project, a bust to honour the first African- Canadian vice-regal in Canada The Honourable Lincoln MacCauley Alexander.”
In his lifetime, The Honourable Lincoln Alexander was a patron and advocate who was committed to advancing the mission and vision of L2L which puts literacy as a priority to advancing equitable justice. The L2L was dedicated to boosting student success by making academic support accessible and by creating opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and growth. The mission of L2L is made possible by facilitating personalized peer tutoring programs and creating leadership development opportunities. The overall vision is to engage and support at-risk students with their learning and help them develop the skills they need to live and work successfully in the future.
A press release from the Government of Ontario issued on Tuesday, September 20th, 2023, describes the next phase of the project. It states, ”Today, the historic date that the Honourable Lincoln Alexander was both sworn into office as Canada’s first Black MP, and sworn in as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the LINC Bust Committee and License to Learn (L2L) are pleased to announce the kick off of the creation phase of the project to place a bust of Lincoln MacCauley Alexander at Queen’s Park, through a generous commitment from Black Opportunity Fund.”
The bust of ‘LINC: will be included as part of education tours of Queen’s Park and will serve as a symbol of inspiration and pride, especially for Black youth, but also for ALL Canadians. This will be the first statue of a Black individual ever erected at Queen’s Park. The official unveiling of the Lincoln Alexander bust will be in advance of Lincoln Alexander Day on January 21st, 2024. There will be a public ceremony that will mark the official public unveiling.
Quentin VerCetty, the Afroturust artist who has been commissioned to create the bust, expressed excitement about this important phase of the project. He states, “It’s exhilarating that we can now fire up the kiln ovens and get the bronze ready to take on the form that will celebrate the great and honourable Lincoln ‘Linc” MacCauley Alexander. I am deeply grateful for the sponsors’ generosity and the community’s determination to bring this project to life.”
Mitzie Hunter, former MPP. Scarborough Guildwood states, “Representation matters. Having a bust of the Honourable Lincoln Alexander in the corridor of Queen’s Park will serve as a visual inspiration to the thousands of people who will see it, many of whom are students. The bust will spark conversation, tell stories and honour Linc for having blazed a trail. I am so happy to have known him and have wonderful memories of our many encounters to treasure. I believe the bust will continue to keep his memory alive to inspire the next generation.”
Rosemary Sadlier, Chair of the LINC Bust Committee states, “This generous financial sponsorship by the Black Opportunity Fund, propels the project into the creative phase for its eventual public reveal at Queen’s Park, realizing the hope of our community symbolized by this remarkable creation.”
Details about the LINC Project can be seen at the website: https://Inkd.in/e8adeDFt Contribution can be made at: https://l2l.ca/lincoln-alexander-bust/