New Play Commemorates Toronto’s First Black Postman

Sisters and Brothers,

The latest project recognizing the history of Albert Jackson, Toronto’s first black letter carrier, is appearing on front porches in his home neighborhood. It marks another step in honouring the legacy of a postal worker and a human-rights victory.

In 2012 the Toronto Star researched and reported Albert Jackson’s story. Jackson was hired in 1882 as Toronto’s first black postman, but he had to overcome barriers of racism and bigotry before he was able to perform the job. The black community rallied around him and won a political victory, in a step on the path toward equity.

Jackson was then the subject of our union’s 2013 Black History Month poster, and we hosted a gathering of Jackson’s family in Toronto to recognize his history and the ongoing struggle against racism.

Since then we’ve supported the dedication of Albert Jackson lane in the neighbourhood where he lived and owned residences, and the development and promotion of The Postman, a play based on Jackson’s life and struggle. The play highlights how the working class can organize to make change on human rights issues, and the importance of door-to-door delivery in the community – the issue we’re focussing on with our current campaign.

CUPW members and leaders are attending performances and strongly recommend The Postman to everyone. The struggle for equality led by Albert Jackson and his community is leaving a growing legacy, and we can be proud to have been part of its development.

You can learn more at www.thepostmanwalks.bpt.me.