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Funeral for Lincoln Alexander 2:42

Funeral for Lincoln Alexander 2:42

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Reverend Francis Chisholm remembers Lincoln Alexander 1:10

Reverend Francis Chisholm remembers Lincoln Alexander 1:10

Ontario MPPs will debate whether or not to proclaim a Lincoln Alexander Day across Ontario at Queen's Park on Thursday afternoon.

Bill 125 is co-sponsored by MPP Ted Arnott and Hamilton East-Stoney Creek MPP Paul Miller, and would proclaim every Jan. 21 as Lincoln Alexander day across the province.

"He was loved by everyone who knew him — right across party lines," Hamilton Mountain MP Chris Charlton said. "I can't think of a more fitting tribute for a man whose whole life reflected the highest ideals of service to our country."

Alexander – who was affectionately dubbed Linc — was born on Jan. 21 back in 1922. He was Canada's first black Member of Parliament, representing Hamilton West from 1968-1980.

He was Ontario's first black Lieutenant Governor, serving from 1985-1991, as well as the first black Chancellor of the University of Guelph and the first black Chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust.

Alexander died in October of last year. Thousands mourned his death and celebrated his life around Hamilton, capped off with a packed memorial service at Copps Coliseum.