TORONTO, February 7, 2013 – The Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA) at York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School will present the inaugural The Honourable Lincoln Alexander ’53 Award to Mr. Justice Michael Tulloch ‘89, for his leadership, vision and passionate dedication to the community, as part of Osgoode's Black History Month celebrations. In 2012, Justice Tulloch became the first black judge to be appointed to the Court of Appeal.

The BLSA created the award to pay tribute to the pioneering efforts of Alexander, the first black member of Canada’s Parliament and the 24th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, who passed away in 2012.

In addition, the BLSA plans to recognize the leadership and contributions of other Osgoode alumni including retired judge George Carter ’48;  the late Leonard Braithwaite ’58, who was the first black Canadian to be elected to the Ontario Legislature;  and Margarett Best ’95, MPP Scarborough-Guildwood.

WHEN:        Monday, February 11, 2013 from 3:00pm-4pm

WHAT:        Osgoode Hall Law School of York University, Gowlings Hall (main floor)
4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3 (building 32 on map)

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York U’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York U is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York U’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York U's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.

Media Contact: Virginia Corner, Communications Manager, Osgoode Hall Law School of York University, 416 736 5820, vcorner@osgoode.yorku.ca