by KYW's Dr. Marciene Mattleman
Before cars and planes changed travel, trains were important in our history. For almost 100 years, Pullman trains, sleeper cars offering overnight service, were staffed by Pullman porters as they were called-- black men who delivered immaculate service.
According to an article in the New York Times, these men played a large part in black migration to the north bringing back a glimpse of big city life through stories and newspapers. They also laid the groundwork for the civil rights movement-- forming the first black labor union.
Larry Tye, author of Rising From the Rails, chronicled Pullman porters who made substantial contributions to their home communities. One porter built a school for black children that educated hundreds of kids.
The position was prestigious. The fathers of former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and Willie Brown, Mayor of San Francisco, were both porters.
Many former Pullman porters have died; however, Amtrak is honoring survivors in celebrating National Train Day on May 9th in Philadelphia. Call 202-906-4164 or email connels@amtrak.com to learn more.
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