“Suited for greatness;” The unveiling of the Lieutenant-Governor Lincoln Alexander bust

BY PAUL JUNOR

The unveiling of the bust of former Lieutenant-Governor Lincoln Alexander on Sunday, January 21^st, 2024, will undoubtedly impact future generations in Ontario. In many ways the bust is a celebration of the life and legacy of his historic contributions to Ontario politics. From 1985 to 1991 his political life was marked by many unparalleled achievements.

Erika Alexander and Marissa Alexander (granddaughters of Lincoln) were present and recounted many fond memories of their grandfather. Erika shared, “He met a lot of adversity and obstacles, but he never let them stand in his way. He never wanted his race to be a factor. He wanted his path to be determined by his character, but he always recognized he had to work harder.”

Quentin VerCetty, a well-known multi-talented Afroturist artist was commissioned to do the bust by several organizations. They include: The Black Opportunity Fund, the LINC Bust Committee, and Licensed to Learn. There has been a lot of work done since it was announced that the bust would be unveiled on Lincoln Alexander Day at a public ceremony.

VerCetty shared his memories of his encounter with Lincoln Alexander “We saw a gentleman in a very sharp, immaculately blue suit walk in. His strides were so even. Instead of going into the office, he walked right up to us, and I just stood my ground. I thought he was a cop.”

The Honourable Lincoln spoke to him and told him, “I see you young men doing great things and I hope you come to my assembly today.” VerCetty was dismayed by the fact that he did not attend the assembly which he regretted. He states, “I didn’t know who he was. We had never been taught about him.”

In his quest to design the bust, VerCetty toured Cabbagetown where Lincoln spent his childhood and read his autobiography, “Go to School, You’re a Little Black Boy.” In addition, he consulted with many of Lincoln’s family members and examined pictures and heirlooms to obtain an exact feel of what would be in the bust. Quentin titled the bust, “Suited for Greatness,” because he wants young people to feel like they can suit up for greatness. “That’s my story.”

VerCetty mentioned the importance of Lincoln Alexander in an interview on CBC Radio’s Metro Morning on Friday, January 19^th, 2023. He states, “In my opinion, he was one of the greatest Canadians. He’s one of the most decorated Canadians of all time: war veteran, lawyer, community activist, and so many titles.”

The 10^th anniversary of Lincoln Alexander Day featured Dwight Drummond as the Master of Ceremonies. He mentioned the importance of the permanent commemoration of “Linc” as he was affectionately called. He notes that it honours, “The man whose life was an exemplary example of service, humility, dedication, a commitment to community, and always fighting for racial equity in our country.”

Drummond notes that “This bust will also be a beacon of inspiration to the thousands of school children, especially children of racialized communities and their teachers that visit Queen’s Park for school trips.” 

Rosemary Sadlier, Past President of the Ontario Black History Society, and chair of the LINC Bust Committee has been instrumental in the recognition of Black History Month in Canada. She highlighted the extraordinary significance of Lincoln’s achievements. “When we honour the past, we affirm the present and we really underscore a hope for the future.”

Craig Wellington, Executive Director of the Black Opportunity Fund shared, “This project will help to enshrine the extraordinary legacy of this great Canadian and will inspire generations of Canadians.”