Albert Jackson (mail carrier)

Albert Jackson mail carrier

Albert Jackson (October 18, 1856 – January 14, 1918) was an African Canadian mail carrier in Toronto, Ontario, and is often credited as the first Black letter carrier in Canada. His appointment to the postal service in 1882 sparked a significant racial controversy, highlighting the challenges of racial discrimination in Canada during the late 19th century. Jackson's story is not just a personal narrative but also a significant chapter in the history of civil rights in Canada.

Early Life

Albert Jackson was born into slavery in Delaware, United States, on October 18, 1856. His mother, Ann Maria Jackson, fled with her children to Canada in 1858 via the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape into free states and Canada. The Jackson family settled in Toronto, where Albert grew up and received his education.

Career and Controversy

In 1882, Jackson was hired as a letter carrier for the Canada Post, making him the first Black man to hold such a position in Canada. However, his appointment was met with immediate resistance from his white colleagues, who refused to train him or allow him to assume his duties. This led to a public outcry and became a significant issue within the local community and the press.

The situation escalated until it reached the political arena, drawing the attention of the then Prime Minister of Canada, Sir John A. Macdonald. Macdonald's intervention was partly motivated by the political implications of the controversy, as he sought the support of the Black community in the upcoming elections. Ultimately, Jackson was allowed to assume his duties as a mail carrier, a position he held for the rest of his life.

Legacy

Albert Jackson's struggle against racial discrimination and his perseverance in the face of adversity have made him a symbol of the fight for civil rights in Canada. His story is a reminder of the challenges that Black Canadians faced during the 19th century and the progress that has been made since then. In 2019, the City of Toronto officially recognized his contributions by naming a laneway in his honor, Albert Jackson Lane.

See Also

• History of African Canadians in Toronto
• Civil rights in Canada
• Canada Post