Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: May 6, 1998
• Invested on: October 22, 1998

He is a distinguished novelist and short story writer who has explored the immigrant experience with humour, compassion, happiness and sorrow. Through his prolific literary output he has recorded the changing face of the country, giving voice to the resilience, courage and loneliness often felt by people who come to Canada to start a new life. By his own example he has broadened the horizons for black writers, encouraging them to develop their creative talent. His contributions as a respected author, teacher and community activist have helped Canadians understand our diverse roots as well as our universal humanity.