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Sunday, October 13, 2024
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(Based upon the biographical sketch prepared by
Lois Larkin)
Kenneth Jacobs attended Prince Edward Public School and Kennedy
Collegiate Institute in Windsor. He graduated from Assumption
College followed by the University of Toronto where he earned
his Master of Social Work degree. After graduation Jacobs became
the first African Canadian male to become a front line Social
Worker in the Toronto Children’s Aid Society. |
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Jacobs military career began
during the Second World War. He served in the Royal Canadian Medical
Corps as an Operating Room Assistant at Vancouver Military Hospital.
Following the war he returned to civilian life to complete his education.
In October 1954 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He attended
officer training at #1 Officer’s School in London, Ontario
and became a commissioned Pilot Officer with simultaneous promotion
to Flying Officer. Jacobs combined his expertise in the field of
social work with his military training when he was transferred to
5 Air Division Headquarters, Vancouver, B.C. As part of this new
Social Work Branch of the R.C.A.F. his duties extended to include
service to all of British Columbia. He continued in this role when
transferred to Air Defense Command Headquarters in St. Hubert, Quebec.
During this time he also attained a level of fluency in French.
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Jacobs military career is
filled with many prestigious accomplishments . In 1961 he was promoted
to the rank of Flight Lieutenant. He was again promoted in July 1968
this time to the rank of Squadron Leader/Major. As Regional Social
Work Officer at Mobile Command Headquarters he was responsible for
providing a Social Work Service to the combined Navy, Army and Air
Force. In 1972 Major Jacobs became the second-in-command or DSDS2
of the Social Development Services at National Defense Headquarters
in Ottawa. On April 1, 1975 Kenneth Jacobs became the first Canadian
of African descent to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. |
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LCOL Jacobs retired from the armed forces in September
1978. He continues to be an active role model in the community.
Over the years
his involvement in community service has been extensive. It has included
being the pianist at the Baptist Church and Sunday school teacher
in the British Methodist Episcopal Church. He was also a Troop leader
in the 12th Scout Troop, a Junior leader in the YMCA, a baseball
coach and community council president. Jacobs was honoured by the
North American Black Historical Museum at their gala in 1997. |
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The
opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the author
and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada. |
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