"Albert Jackson"

On May 17,1882,he became the first blackpostman in Toronto.In 1858,the runaway slave fought through the racist southern landsto get to Canada.He, his mother and siblings escaped with the help of William Still.William helped the family flee to Philadelphia,then to Canada.Once he arrived,Albert was offered a job as the first black potman,only to discriminated against his by his co-workers.No one would train him and the local press called him an "obnoxious colored man"in the head headlines.The Canadian postal service demoted him down to hall porter.Albert's case became the center of a political battle Toronto.The community of black voters rallied together for justice.Albert's story finally reached the desk of then Prime Minister,John Macdonald.With a political election close at hand,John fought on behalf of Albert and he was re-instated as a mailman.With 36 years of service to the Canadian Postal Service,he had become a pillar of the community and respected landowner.Most recently,a roadway in Toronto was officially named Albert Jackson Lane.