Jack White (politician) facts for kids
John Edgar "Jack" White (born July 10, 1925 – died September 10, 2002) was an important Canadian leader who worked to improve conditions for workers. He was the first elected Black representative for the Ironworkers, a union for people who work with metal. He was also one of the first national staff members from a minority background for the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which is a large union for people who work in public services.
Jack White was born in Truro, Nova Scotia. He made history in 1959 by being one of the first Black Canadians to run for election to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. This is like running for a seat in the provincial government. He ran for a political party called the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation. Later, in the 1963 election, he ran again as a candidate for the Ontario New Democratic Party in an area called Dovercourt. In the early 1960s, he also worked with a newspaper in Toronto.
Jack White's parents were Izie Dora White and William A. White, who was a Baptist minister. His father, William A. White, moved to Canada from the United States. His father's parents had been enslaved in Virginia, which means Jack White's family had a history of overcoming great challenges.
Jack White came from a big family with 13 children. Many of his brothers and sisters also became well-known. His sister, Portia White, was a famous Canadian opera singer. His brother, Bill White, was the first Black Canadian to run for a seat in the federal government. Jack White's niece, Sheila White, is a political strategist, and his nephew, Donald H. Oliver, was the first Black Canadian to serve in the Senate of Canada for many years.
Jack White's Lasting Impact
Jack White left behind an important legacy. He helped open doors for many people from minority backgrounds in unions and politics.
Honoring Jack White's Service
- The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) gives out the Jack White Community Service Award. This award honors people who show great dedication to helping their communities, just like Jack White did.
