Jack White Commemorative plaque, 2023
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Resource ID
10519
Access
Open
Credit Line
Heritage Toronto
Date of Creation
2023
Historical Themes
Black Heritage, Labour History, Political History, Transportation History
Program Category
Historical Plaques
Rights
Heritage Toronto
Time Period
1900-1953, 1954-1998, 1999-today
Caption
Jack White Commemorative plaque, 2023
Description
John Edgar (Jack) White was the first Black representative for the Iron workers Local 721 and the Canadian Union of Public Employees(CUPE) in Ontario. White worked at the Canadian National Railway(CNR), where he became the first Black union steward in 1944, when Black people were often hired as porters. Within a week of starting at the CNR, White experienced his first strike. Born in Truro, Nova Scotia, White was the son of prominent Baptist minister Rev. W.A. White. His 12 siblings included celebrated vocalist Portia White and activist Bill White. Jack White later moved to Toronto and joined the subway construction crew working on the Prince Edward Viaduct. In 1964, White was laid off by the subway contractor, an event that sparked a major labour disruption. For two and a half weeks, in solidarity, his crew stopped working, resuming only when White was rehired. In the 1970s, White was the director of social services for the Ontario Federation of Labour. He was pivotal in the Ontario Black Trade Unionists organization, which named a scholarship after him. White became a much-sought-after injury and disability claims consultant with a reputation for successfully fighting for workers’ compensations, benefits, and entitlements.