Albert Jackson (mail carrier) Life and Legacy

Albert Jackson's life was marked by a remarkable career as a mail carrier. He was born in 1860 in the United States.

Jackson's dedication to his work was evident in his long service, spanning over 40 years. He served the community with diligence and reliability.

Jackson's legacy extends beyond his years of service, as he helped establish the United States Postal Service's first rural free delivery system. This innovative approach revolutionized mail delivery in rural areas.

His contributions to the postal service had a lasting impact, shaping the way mail is delivered to this day.

Additional reading: First Class Mail Delivery Time

Albert Calvin Jackson was a National Historic Person born in 1857 and passed away in 1918.

He became one of the first letter carriers of African descent hired by Canada's federal postal service.

Jackson fled slavery with his family and ended up delivering letters for 3 decades.

He was a representative of more than 30,000 freedom seekers who came to Canada on the Underground Railroad to establish a new life.

Albert Jackson worked as a letter carrier for 3 decades, starting on May 12, 1882.

He began working at the Toronto General Post Office and became the first black mail carrier in Toronto.

However, his white colleagues refused to train him, highlighting the racism he faced in his career.

Jackson was later given the position of mail porter, but Black Canadians in Toronto objected to this change.

Prime Minister John A. Macdonald intervened, convincing the post office to give Jackson back his job as mail carrier.

He resumed his mail carrier career and stayed with the post office until his death in 1918.

Albert Jackson's contributions to Canada's postal history have been recognized in meaningful ways. He was commemorated with a stamp in 2019.

The stamp was a nod to his groundbreaking career as Canada's first Black letter carrier. His legacy continues to inspire others.

A plaque was unveiled at the site of the former Toronto General Post office in 2017, honoring his dedication to his work.

Albert Jackson's career as a mail carrier began on a significant note. He started working at the Toronto General Post Office on May 12, 1882, and made history by becoming the first black mail carrier in Toronto.

Despite facing racism and being refused training by his colleagues, Jackson persevered and was eventually given the position of mail porter. However, this change was met with objection from Black Canadians living in Toronto during the 1880s.

In a surprising turn of events, Prime Minister John A. Macdonald intervened and convinced the post office to reinstate Jackson as a mail carrier, allowing him to resume his original job.