Lincoln Alexander School students celebrate Linc day

Students at LincolnAlexander Public School are encouraged to live their life through the schools 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 Canadas first official Lincoln M. Alexander Day. January 21 was Alexanders birthday.

Lincoln M. Alexander was Canadas first black Member of Parliament and served as MP for Hamilton West from 1968-1980. He was Ontarios 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 Alexanders life in the war and politics, his commitment to equal rights, and working hard to achieve goals.

Kenney also told spoke about Hamiltons history in the Underground Railroad.

Students take lessons from Linc's life

ChanelleByfield, 10, shared what she learned about the politician with CBC Hamilton.

He was a really great man and a big inspiration, saidChanelle.

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 politicians role as Lieutenant-governor, a Grade 3student 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 eventuallyturning to teachers and principal Hopkins for the answer.

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Kenney later told the media that he met Lincoln M. Alexander as a teenager and that what struck him about the politician washis 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 hardand believing in themselves.

Its all about your work ethic or commitment and what youd like to learn in life, he said.