Recently, the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum (NPRPPPM) announced it will host the Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters labor Union (BSCP) Saturday, August 24, 2019, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. — Founded in 1925, by magazine publisher, labor organizer, and Civil Rights pioneer, A. Philip Randolph. The BSCP was the first African American Union in America to be founded under the American Federation of Labor.
The celebratory event co-sponsored by Electrical Workers Minority Caucus and IBEW Local 134, will take place on the grounds of the National A. Philip Randolph 10406 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago (Entrance from 817 E. 104th St.).
For two decades, we have focused our attention on presenting this story to tourist and Chicago youth. However, we realize that adults and ironically, mainly, in the African American community — are not as informed as they NEED TO BE with the accurate details of this significant component of American history. The museum decided to regularly host events that are informatively inserted into an enjoyable experience. The Honoring, The Brotherhood Celebration, is the perfect place to start!
This event is the start of a new outreach effort, and will be a with combined Pullman Porters Descendants Gathering — and a Museum Membership Drive. The event will include: a short program, followed by the ability for (you) the attendee to choose the activities your choice at your own pace: Film screenings, view the museum’s exhibits, and Music provided by DJ ET. The event will end with the Chicago tradition Steppin Under the Stars. Admission is the purchase of an annual Museum membership of $50.00. First 100 people $10.00 off Membership will cost $40.00.
The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, a 501 C (3) cultural institution is the only museum in the nation that bears the name of Mr. Randolph and the Porters, located in the Pullman National Monument. The museum’s operational budget is not funded by the city, state, or federal funds, that being the case, ALL fundraising activity is essential.
“This event is one in a series of activities planned this year, intended to better inform the broader public about the critical work the union accomplished.
Dr. Lyn Hughes founder of the 24-year-old museum stated, “We make a concerted effort to stay on top of the one-dimensional misrepresentation, of these men frequently portraying Porters that of — only the Black Men who worked as the onboard crew of the Pullman Rail Car company trains. They were so much more that.” Under the leadership of A.Philip Randolph, they came to the realization and the understanding of the power of unity. They collectively and skillfully used it to empower their union and their community.
Moreover, the character traits of these men is a common thread, in their legacy, contain the powerful life lessons, such as self-pride, a self-imposed standard of excellence, dignity, and determination. These are the things we want to pass on to our young people, despite the career path they choose to take.
Pullman Porters are attributed with building the foundation for the Black middle class, but equally important, — their collective ideology of the aspiration to strive for a better quality of life, and work to gain it, and self-sufficiency — I believe through them is where the concept of (Cultural Economic Development) was born. The notion of using our history, heritage, and culture to benefit our communities, not just in Chicago, but across the country.
To learn more about the event visit https://aprpullmanportermuseum.org/special-events/
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This article originally appeared in The Chicago Crusader.
