Three young Ontarians were honoured with the Lincoln M. Alexander award this past week. In a press release issued on Jan. 21, 2016, the Ontario provincial government highlighted the achievements made by Darian Baskatawang of Whitesand First Nation, Najma Malaq of Mississauga, and Shailene Panylo of Oshawa, for their work in promoting positive social change in their communities.
The Lincoln M. Alexander award was originally established in 1993, to honour the 23rd Governor General of Canada, Lincoln Alexander. Alexander was not only the first black Canadian to serve as Governor General, but was also the first black Canadian to serve as a member of Parliament, and as a member of provincial Parliament. The Lincoln M. Alexander award is for individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 who display a commitment to end racial prejudice and discrimination.
As the youth representative to the Independent First Nations, Darian Baskatawang is involved in the process of creating and implementing strategies, policies, and programs within the various communities that make up the Independent First Nations Alliance. Baskatawang’s area of focus is improving the quality of life for First Nations youth across Ontario. Baskatawang is currently a political science student at Queen’s University and also sits as a member on the Premier’s Council of Youth Opportunities.
Malaq is an 18-year-old student who works tirelessly to promote a more caring and inclusive learning community at her school, and also within her community. Malaq has organized various educational presentations and seminars aimed at educating students on prominent black Canadians and the impact they have had on the history of Canada.
In addition to organizing events at her own school, Malaq also spends her time preparing and delivering presentations in elementary schools throughout Mississauga.
“The contributions of people like Najma Malaq make a real difference in Mississauga and to our province,” said Lorenzo Berardinetti, Scarborough Southwest’s MPP. “Their commitment, dedication and hard work inspire us all.”
Shailene Panylo has worked to promote black Canadian education in classrooms, with a focus on aesthetic beauty and acceptance of visual difference. Panylo is also a student ambassador of the Durham Black Educators Network’s And Still We Rise program, which celebrates the union leadership of women in the educational field.
“I take pride in recognizing these three young Ontarians who demonstrate leadership, dedication, and commitment to eliminating discrimination,” said the Honurable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “With creativity they promote cultural awareness and help us all to understand that diversity is a strength and inclusion a worthy and essential goal.”
Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade, Michael Chan, congratulated all three individuals in a provincial press release.
“Congratulations to the 2015 recipients of the Lincoln M. Alexander Award,” said Chan, in the release. “It is a privilege to celebrate their work promoting positive change in our society. Their efforts not only help make Ontario a better place, but serve as inspiration for others to make a difference.”