To be issued by Canada Post today, on the first day of Black History Month, two new Permanent stamps will recognize the contributions of prominent, ground-breaking Black Canadians.
Designed by Winnipeg-based Tétro, both stamps evoke the personal strength of Kathleen (Kay) Livingstone (1918-1975) and Lincoln MacCauley Alexander (1922-2012) through historic photographs sourced from the Livingstone family; the Toronto Star; and the Hamilton Spectator.
“The images selected capture a moment that is both internally reflective and formidable,” says designer Paul Tétrault. “The gold metallic glow pays tribute to their visionary influence and trailblazing achievements.”
Each of the stamps were printed using six-colour lithography and measure 32 mm by 40 mm. Official first-day covers were cancelled in London, Ont. (Livingstone) and Toronto (Alexander).
An official first-day cover (OFDC) commemorating Livingstone will also be issued today.
‘KAY’ LIVINGSTONE
A long-time Toronto resident, Livingstone (1918-75) was an activist, humanitarian and popular radio host devoted to the empowerment of Black women. She founded the Canadian Negro Women’s Association in the 1950s, and in 1975, she launched the Congress of Black Women of Canada—now a nationwide organization. In 2011, she was named a Person of National Historic Significance by the Government of Canada.
“We are thrilled that people will learn not only about her efforts but also about the kind of person she was: a mother who served her family and a humanitarian who served her people, her city and her country,” said daughter Rene Livingstone. “She did it generously and she did it well.”
LINCOLN ALEXANDER
Another OFDC celebrating Alexander is also part of the new issue.
Born in Toronto, Alexander had a distinguished career as a public servant and became a leader in the fight for racial equality. He was the first Black Canadian to be elected to the House of Commons (1968), appointed to the federal Cabinet (1979) and named to a viceregal position in Canada as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (1985).
He encouraged countless young people to pursue their dreams, often telling them, “I did it. You can. You will.”