Fred Landon’s influential life as both university professor at Western and journalist for the London Free Press is nothing short of historic for the city of London.
With a career in academia spanning more than half a century, his commitment and focus on equality within the London community remains largely unparalleled even by today’s standards.
A recent effort set to compile Landon’s influential work entitled Ontario’s African-Canadian Heritage: Collected Writings of Fred Landon, 1918-1967 (Natural Heritage Books) follows his writings on the strong African-Canadian identity often overlooked within the province’s history.
“We got started about a year ago, gathering his [Landon’s] articles and determining which ones to choose for the book,” said Fred Armstong, professor emeritus at Western and one of four editors involved in the project along with Bryan Walls, Hilary Bates Neary and Karolyn Smardz Frost.
“The process required about a year in preparation,” Armstrong added.
As suggested by the title, the content focuses on Landon’s somewhat controversial reporting and researching of race relations within the province. Landon, himself, was a candid figure in establishing African culture in Ontario. His passion for equality drove powerful writings, which still hold merit in contemporary social and political landscapes.
A strong advocate for Canadian-African identity, Landon was an outspoken critic of racial prejudice across the nation and even within the community during his career in journalism and later as a professor of history. A prominent supporter of the Canadian League for the Advancement of Coloured People, an advocacy group Landon helped found, his dedication to equality within Canadian borders exemplifies the diversity we pride ourselves on today.
Having known Landon since his arrival as a professor in 1963, Armstrong remembers the often controversial writer as a man who valued simple pleasures. Whether spending copious amounts of time in his modest study conducting research or stopping by to chat while on a walk, it’s clear that Armstrong’s memory of Landon is one of respect and professional admiration.
“He was always very pleasant and always happy to discuss history. He had a phenomenal memory, dating as far back as the 1890s,” recalls Armstrong.
However, Landon’s work was not exclusive to the early civil rights movement.
His contributions can also be seen throughout university libraries as well as throughout the London Public Library, specifically in his establishment of more accessible library systems.
Tireless efforts in building collections throughout these libraries during his tenure led to the naming of a wing in the London Public Library to honour the prolific writer– the Landon Wing.