Remembering those we recently lost
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Key moments and achievements from Stephen Lewis's life.
Stephen was born
· Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Career Milestone
After honing his public speaking skills on the Hart House debating team at the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia, he traveled to Africa to teach English. This early experience in the 1960s served as a crucible for his worldview. It planted the seeds for a lifelong commitment to the continent that would define his later humanitarian work.
Career Milestone
After honing his public speaking skills on the Hart House debating team at the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia, he traveled to Africa to teach English. This early experience in the 1960s served as a crucible for his worldview. It planted the seeds for a lifelong commitment to the continent that would define his later humanitarian work.
Election
At the young age of 26, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. He represented the riding of Scarborough West, beginning a long tenure in provincial politics. That same year, he married journalist and social activist Michele Landsberg, with whom he would have three children.
Election
At the young age of 26, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. He represented the riding of Scarborough West, beginning a long tenure in provincial politics. That same year, he married journalist and social activist Michele Landsberg, with whom he would have three children.
Leadership
He took the helm as the leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party. Under his fiery leadership, the party gained significant ground over the next decade. His efforts culminated in leading the NDP to become the Official Opposition in 1975.
Leadership
He took the helm as the leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party. Under his fiery leadership, the party gained significant ground over the next decade. His efforts culminated in leading the NDP to become the Official Opposition in 1975.
Appointment
In a testament to his universal respect, he was appointed as Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations by political rival Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. He held this prestigious diplomatic post until 1988. This role marked his transition from provincial politician to global statesman.
Appointment
In a testament to his universal respect, he was appointed as Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations by political rival Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. He held this prestigious diplomatic post until 1988. This role marked his transition from provincial politician to global statesman.
Appointment
He took on the role of Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF at its global headquarters. Over the next four years, he worked to protect the world's most vulnerable children. This position further solidified his reputation as a moral voice on the international stage.
Appointment
He took on the role of Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF at its global headquarters. Over the next four years, he worked to protect the world's most vulnerable children. This position further solidified his reputation as a moral voice on the international stage.
Appointment
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed him as the Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. In this critical role, he became a world-renowned advocate for the continent's devastating health crisis. He used his unmatched eloquence to demand global action and resources.
Appointment
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed him as the Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. In this critical role, he became a world-renowned advocate for the continent's devastating health crisis. He used his unmatched eloquence to demand global action and resources.
Organization Founding
He co-founded his namesake foundation to directly support grassroots organizations at the forefront of the HIV response in Africa. The foundation has since raised over $200 million to combat the pandemic. This initiative represented the full circle of his lifelong dedication to the African continent.
Organization Founding
He co-founded his namesake foundation to directly support grassroots organizations at the forefront of the HIV response in Africa. The foundation has since raised over $200 million to combat the pandemic. This initiative represented the full circle of his lifelong dedication to the African continent.
Publication
He delivered the CBC Massey Lectures, which were subsequently published as the national bestseller 'Race Against Time: Searching for Hope in AIDS-Ravaged Africa'. His urgent appeals resonated deeply with the public. That same year, Time magazine recognized his impact by naming him one of the '100 most influential people in the world'.
Publication
He delivered the CBC Massey Lectures, which were subsequently published as the national bestseller 'Race Against Time: Searching for Hope in AIDS-Ravaged Africa'. His urgent appeals resonated deeply with the public. That same year, Time magazine recognized his impact by naming him one of the '100 most influential people in the world'.
Election
Just 48 hours before his death, his son Avi Lewis was elected leader of the federal NDP. This milestone represented a profound passing of the torch for the royal family of the Canadian Left. It provided a fitting final chapter to his lifelong struggle for justice and dignity.
Election
Just 48 hours before his death, his son Avi Lewis was elected leader of the federal NDP. This milestone represented a profound passing of the torch for the royal family of the Canadian Left. It provided a fitting final chapter to his lifelong struggle for justice and dignity.
Stephen Lewis passed away
