Joe Jackson started working for Delta Airlines in Miami in 1968 and continued his career in Atlanta in 1980.
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Joe Jackson started working for Delta Airlines in Miami in 1968 and continued his career in Atlanta in 1980.

When Joe Jackson started working for Delta Airlines in 1968, he didn't realize he would become the first black flight dispatcher in Atlanta. Jackson's Delta career started in Miami where he entered the field as a ramp agent.

"On Second Thought" host Virginia Prescott speaks with Joe Jackson.

His brother-in-law told Jackson about a job opening in Atlanta. That's when Jackson went in for his first interview and was later offerd a second interview. He flew for the first time and accepted the offer as an assistant flight superintendent in 1980. Jackson later became the company's first black dispatcher, the airline's first black system operations manager and its first black duty director.

Jackson knew it was time to retire earlier this year. He's spent 50 years with Delta, and plans to enjoy his retirement by traveling the world with his wife. 

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