| Category: | Business Insights |
| Tags: | driver, Ken Jarvis, National Urban League |
A 1957 introduction by a contact in the National Urban League’s San Francisco office led Ken Jarvis to a position as UPS’s first African American driver. Jarvis used the opportunity as a stepping stone, ultimately serving as a vice president of UPS human resources. But this was not only his opportunity. By continuing to build and maintain relationships with civic and community organizations, Jarvis worked to open the doors of UPS to thousands of qualified and diverse applicants throughout his 37-year career.
In this first video of a two-part interview, Jarvis discusses the connection at the Bay Area Urban League that led him to a job at UPS. He also talks about his experience as the first African American driver.
Comments [6]
That is a very impressive story, one that should be
shared by a mailing to our drivers. Most drivers have
such a long day, that when they get home they don’t
have time to surf the UPS site for refreshing stories like
this. Just an idea, I am happy I had a chance to read
and will share with as many employees as possible.
This is a great story and I am appreciative that it was
shared with us. I think it should also be posted to
UPSers.com since alot of employees frequent that
portal. As an African American employee of UPS with
nearly 9 years of service, I’ve often times wondered
when did UPS begin hiring African American people
considering we’ve been in business for over 102
years. This article comes close to answering that
question for me. Provided Mr. Jarvis was the first
black employee, it would mean that UPS started hiring
African Americans nearly 53 years ago. That’s nearly
half the time in which UPS has been in business.
Congratulations to Mr. Jarvis for paving the way and
breaking barriers that had been unlikely before!!
I’m glad you like it! We’re very proud of Ken’s success.
We don’t think Ken was the first African American
employee, however. He was the first driver. We’ll work
on sharing the story with more UPSers. Thanks!
i like to know more about ups black employees
As a retired UPS employee, I have known Ken for several years.
His service to the company has made a difference in many lives.
His talk was very inspiring and hopefully will be read and shared
by many. Ken has represented UPS well!! Just to think…..Urban
League made this possible.
Thank you Mr. Jarvis, and thank God you help pave the
way for many Black folks to work for UPS.