Ontario is recognizing three young leaders with the 2018 Lincoln M. Alexander Award for their strong leadership to eliminate racial discrimination and promote inclusivity and social equality.
The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, presented the awards at a ceremony at Queen's Park in Toronto today, along with Vincent Ke, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
"The Lincoln Alexander Award recognizes exceptional individuals who have taken it upon themselves to challenge systemic discrimination, acting in substantive and distinctive ways to fight racism. I am delighted to celebrate this year's recipients as they continue the legacy of a trailblazer whose impact we mark every year on January 21."
This year's recipients are:
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Manaal Chasso, 18, of Ottawa, who ran anti-black racism campaigns in her high school and created the Stay Woke clubwhich encouraged the student body to stay conscious of social issues.
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Lisa Wang, 18, of North York, who founded the Social Justice and Equity Committee at her high school and held many initiatives to celebrate the rich ethnic makeup of the student body.
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Fiqir Worku, 22, of Waterloo, who as Vice President of the University of Waterloo Black Association for Student Expression, established a centre for racialized students at the university.
"Congratulations to the recipients of the 2018 Lincoln M. Alexander Award," said Michael Tibollo, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "Through their dedication, passion and ingenuity, these young leaders are making a positive difference in our province, and I'm honoured to celebrate these remarkable youths."
The Lincoln M. Alexander Award is presented each year to three young people who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in promoting positive social change. Two awards are given to exceptional Ontario high school students, and one community award is given to an outstanding young member of an organization that works to promote diversity and inclusion, while combating racism, discrimination and inequity.
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