Albert Jackson (mail carrier) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albert Jackson
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| Born | 1857 |
| Died | January 14, 1918 (aged 60–61) |
Albert Jackson (born November 2, 1857 – died January 14, 1918) was a very important person in Canadian history. He was the first Black Canadian mail carrier in the city of Toronto.
When he started his job in 1882, Albert Jackson faced unfair treatment because of his race. He was moved to a different job, but many people spoke up for him. The Prime Minister at the time, John A. Macdonald, even got involved. Because of this support, Jackson got his mail carrier job back. He continued working as a mail carrier from 1882 until he passed away in 1918.
Years later, Albert Jackson was honored for his contributions. He received a special plaque from Heritage Toronto in 2017. In 2019, Canada Post even released a stamp with his picture on it.
Albert Jackson's Early Life
Albert Jackson was born in 1857 in a place called Milford, Delaware, in the United States. He grew up in a big family with eight brothers and sisters. His parents were John and Ann Maria Jackson.
His family faced very difficult times. Two of his older brothers were taken away from the family. When his mother, Ann Maria, found out that four more of her children were going to be separated from them, she made a brave decision. She escaped with seven of her children to St. Catharines, Ontario, in Canada. They traveled using the Underground Railroad, a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom. Later, his two oldest brothers, Richard and James, were able to join the family in Canada.
Albert Jackson later got married and had four children of his own. He lived in Canada until he died on January 14, 1918.
His Career as a Mail Carrier
On May 12, 1882, Albert Jackson started working at the Toronto General Post Office. This was a big moment because he became the first Black mail carrier in Toronto.
However, his first days on the job were not easy. Some of his co-workers refused to train him. They treated him unfairly because of racism. Because of this, he was given a different job as a mail porter, which was not what he was hired for.
Many Black Canadians living in Toronto in the 1880s were very upset about this unfair treatment. They spoke out and protested to support Albert Jackson. To help win votes for the 1882 Canadian federal election, the Prime Minister of Canada, John A. Macdonald, stepped in. He convinced the post office to give Albert Jackson his mail carrier job back.
After this, Albert Jackson continued his career as a mail carrier. He worked for the post office for many years, right up until he passed away in 1918.
Honours and Recognition
Albert Jackson's important story has been remembered and celebrated.
- In 2013, a street in Toronto's Harbord Village was named Albert Jackson Lane. This was done to honor him and his contributions.
- In 2017, Heritage Toronto placed a special plaque to remember him.
- In 2019, Canada Post released a postage stamp featuring Albert Jackson. This was a way to recognize his place in Canadian history.
