Courtesy of the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum
Chicago’s Pullman Porter Museum Marks 30 Years of Cultural Impact While Commemorating the Centennial of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters
Chicago, IL – The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum (NAPRPPM) has officially launched a yearlong celebration to honor two momentous anniversaries: its 30th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP). The museum’s campaign will feature its signature events, including the A. Philip Randolph Gentle Warrior Awards and the “Honoring the Brotherhood” ceremony, both of which highlight the enduring legacy of African American labor leadership.
As the museum embarks on this significant milestone, founder Dr. Lyn Hughes reflects on the historical and ongoing impact of the BSCP, emphasizing the importance of preserving the stories of these trailblazing laborers and their role in shaping both the Black community and American labor rights.
“As we approach these significant anniversaries, we reflect on the enduring impact of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and the ongoing mission of the museum to educate and inspire future generations,” said Dr. Hughes.
A Black-Tie Gala to Honor Legacy and Leadership
On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the museum will celebrate its 30th anniversary with the Annual A. Philip Randolph Gentle Warrior Awards, a Black-tie gala fundraiser. The event will take place at the Wintrust Grand Banking Hall, located at 231 S. LaSalle Street in Chicago, Illinois, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (CST).
This highly anticipated event will be hosted by ABC7 News Chicago anchors Val Warner and Hosea Sanders, who will guide the evening’s festivities. The glamorous affair will feature a live performance by jazz legend Gerald Albright, adding to the rich cultural atmosphere. The gala will not only celebrate the museum’s anniversary but also raise funds to support its continued mission to preserve the history of the Pullman porters and their profound influence on African American labor and civil rights.
Honoring the Brotherhood: A Historic Collaboration
The “Honoring the Brotherhood” event, scheduled for August 25, 2025, will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. This event, held within the Pullman National Historical Park District, will highlight the BSCP’s monumental role in the struggle for Black labor rights. For the first time, the museum will partner with the National Park Service (NPS) and the Historic Pullman Foundation (HPF) to amplify this historic occasion. These two organizations will collaborate to celebrate the rich legacy of the BSCP, marking an important moment in African American labor history.
The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was founded in 1925 and holds a special place in the narrative of labor rights in America as the first Black labor union to be chartered under the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Co-founded by the legendary A. Philip Randolph, the BSCP fought relentlessly for better wages, safer working conditions, and dignity for Black workers who had been subjected to harsh, often discriminatory, treatment by rail companies. The union’s formation was a critical step toward advancing civil rights and establishing the foundation for Black economic mobility and equality in the workplace.
“While the job of a porter was viewed by some as menial, their work ethic, perseverance, and self-discipline provided what would become the foundation of the Black middle class,” said Dr. Hughes, reflecting on the profound impact the porters had on African American economic progress.
A Museum Dedicated to Labor, History, and Culture
The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, founded in 1995, is the only museum of its kind in the nation, dedicated to the history and contributions of Black labor. The museum has served as a beacon of cultural pride, sharing the legacy of the Pullman porters not only in Chicago but across the United States. Through its educational programs and exhibitions, the museum continues to inspire new generations to honor the history of African American workers and their ongoing fight for justice.
2025 Awards Gala: Celebrating Visionaries and Change Agents
The 2025 A. Philip Randolph Gentle Warrior Awards will honor a diverse group of leaders who have made significant contributions to labor rights, civil rights, and the African American community. The honorees include:
- April Verrett, the first Black president of SEIU, the second-largest union in the country.
- U.S. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), a leader in American politics and a tireless advocate for labor and civil rights.
- Michelle Flowers, a public relations and communications powerhouse at Flowers Communications.
- William “Bill” Lucy (posthumously), a founding member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) and former president emeritus of AFSCME.
In addition, the museum will present the Change Agent Award to:
- Kevin McLaughlin, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Mid-America Carpenters.
- Bernardo Gomez, chair of the City of Chicago’s first-ever Disability Employee Resource Group.
- The Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA) for its work in promoting diversity and inclusion within the fast-food industry.
A new award category, the Descendants of Distinction, will honor the descendants of the Pullman porters who continue to carry their legacy forward. This year’s honorees are:
- Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller and fashion designer Barbara Bates, both of whom are proud descendants of BSCP members.
“The legacy of the Pullman porters became fertile ground for generations of successful descendants of African American professionals, including doctors, lawyers, engineers, business owners, and public servants,” added Dr. Hughes. “It all began with the leadership of a young organizer, A. Philip Randolph.”
Preserving the Legacy of Black Labor
The yearlong celebration will not only highlight the remarkable achievements of African American labor leaders but also serve as a reminder of the ongoing work to ensure economic and social justice for all. The Pullman porters’ legacy is a testament to the strength and resilience of Black workers, whose efforts laid the groundwork for the professional opportunities and civil rights progress that followed.
For more information about the museum’s anniversary events and to purchase tickets for the gala, visit our website.
