Go to School, You're a Little Black Boy: The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander: A Memoir

by Lincoln Alexander PC CC OOnt CD QC LLD LLB, Herb Shoveller (With)

Overview

Among the important stories that need to be told about noteworthy Canadians, Lincoln Alexander’s sits at the top of the list. Born in Toronto in 1922, the son of a maid and a railway porter, Alexander embarked on an exemplary life path that has involved military service for his country, a successful political career, a thriving law career, and vocal advocacy on subjects ranging from antiracism to the importance of education.

In this biography, Shoveller traces a remarkable series of events from Alexander’s early life to the present that helped shape the charismatic and influential leader whose impact continues to be felt today. From facing down racism to challenging the postwar Ontario establishment, becoming Canada’s first black member of Parliament, entertaining royalty as Ontario’s lieutenant-governor, and serving as chancellor of one of Canada’s leading universities, Alexander’s is the ultimate, uplifting Canadian success story, the embodiment of what defines Canada.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781554887330
Publisher:	Dundurn Press
Publication date:	01/07/2010
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Lincoln M. Alexander graduated from McMaster Universityand Osgoode Hall law school. Now retired, he is still pursuing a rich and varied life as chancellor of the University of Guelph and member of the board of the Ontario Heritage Trust, the Raptors Foundation, and the Doctor's Hospital, as well several other cultural and charitable organizations.

Herb Shoveller is a journalism graduate of the University of Western Ontario and worked at the London Free Press for two decades before leaving in 2005 to start a writing, editing, and consulting business. His book The Story of Ryan and Jimmy is being published by KidsCan Press in Fall 2006.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 9

Introduction 13

Chapter 1 The Early Years 15

Chapter 2 The War Years 39

Chapter 3 The Call of Higher Learning 47

Chapter 4 Called to the Bar 65

Chapter 5 Africa — A Journey of Self-Awareness 73

Chapter 6 The Millar Years 83

Chapter 7 Entering the Political Arena 91

Chapter 8 On the Government Benches 123

Chapter 9 Life after Parliament 149

Chapter 10 Trail-Blazing in the Lieutenant-Governor's Office 153

Chapter 11 The Lieutenant-Governor's Role 163

Chapter 12 Balancing Family and Vice-Regal Life 173

Chapter 13 The Next Challenge — Chancellor, University of Guelph 181

Chapter 14 The Loss of My Beloved Yvonne 197

Chapter 15 Two Parties, One Birthday 201

Chapter 16 A Lifetime Fighting for Racial Equality 207

Chapter 17 Diversions — The Arts and Sports 221

Chapter 18 On the Issues of the Day 229

Chapter 19 Facing the Future 235

Epilogue 241

Appendix: Curriculum Vitae 243

Index 251

Editorial Reviews

Among the often overlooked stories of importance is that of groundbreaking Canadian Lincoln Alexander. In this autobiography, Alexander retraces his remarkable life and the series of events in his early life which charted a course to greatness.

--Sway Magazine

A brisk, enjoyable read.-- "Literary Review of Canada"

From the Publisher

Among the often overlooked stories of importance is that of groundbreaking Canadian Lincoln Alexander. In this autobiography, Alexander retraces his remarkable life and the series of events in his early life which charted a course to greatness.

Sway Magazine

A brisk, enjoyable read.

Literary Review of Canada