Canada Unveils Bronze Bust of Lincoln Alexander, First Black MP, at Queen’s Park

A bronze bust of the Honourable Lincoln MacCauley Alexander, Canada‘s first Black member of Parliament and former lieutenant governor of Ontario, was unveiled at Queen’s Park on Sunday. The statue, created by renowned Afrofuturist artist Quentin VerCetty, holds the distinction of being the first representation of a Black Canadian political figure displayed in a parliamentary setting in the country.

Alexander, affectionately known as ‘Linc,’ was a prominent figure in Canada’s Black community. He made history by becoming the first Black MP in Canada and represented a Hamilton riding for 12 years. He then served as Ontario’s lieutenant governor from 1985 to 1990, a groundbreaking accomplishment as the first Black person to hold a viceregal position in Canada.

Recognized as one of the most decorated Canadians, Alexander was renowned for his contributions as a war veteran, lawyer, and community activist. He also spent 16 years as the chancellor of the University of Guelph, all while advocating for the rights and representation of Black Canadians.

The bronze bust, designed in the tradition of Afrofuturism, pays homage to Alexander’s life before, during, and after his tenure as lieutenant governor. The sculpture incorporates various elements, including a subtle nod to his admiration for Star Wars, a beloved science fiction anthology. Alexander attended the Canadian premiere of the first Star Wars film in 1977 and remained a fan throughout his life, as VerCetty discovered in conversations with Alexander’s family.

Quentin VerCetty, the artist behind the sculpture, shared his personal connection with Alexander as a teenager at Lincoln M. Alexander Secondary School in Toronto. Despite VerCetty’s initial struggles in school, Alexander saw potential in him and encouraged him to pursue greatness. Inspired by this encounter, VerCetty went on to graduate from OCAD University and completed a master’s degree in art education from Concordia University.

The province of Ontario officially proclaimed January 21 as ‘Lincoln Alexander Day’ in 2013, with national recognition following in 2015. The unveiling of his bronze bust at Queen’s Park serves as a lasting tribute to Alexander’s profound impact on Canadian history and his ongoing legacy as a trailblazing figure for Black Canadians.