Pullman Porters

The Pullman Porters made “railblazing” achievements during an exciting chapter in American history. Celebrate Black History Month by learning more about the Pullman Porters who helped transform America at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 12, at the Allen Public Library’s Civic Auditorium, 300 N. Allen Dr. Speaker for this evening, William Blaylock holds a Juris Doctor from Baylor Law School and is a retired vice president and senior tax counsel for Texas Instruments. HIs professional career includes experience at the Museum of the American Railroad and the Dallas Opera.

Industrialist George Pullman believed that former house slaves of the plantation South had the ideal training to serve the businessmen patronizing his "Palace Cars.” The biggest single employer of African Americans in post-Civil War America, Pullman offered former slaves meaningful and lucrative employment. Despite the undeniable racism behind Pullman’s employment practices, he provided advantages to people who desperately needed them.

Known for their pristine manners and elegant uniforms, Pullman Porters worked on the sleeping cars from the 1870s to the 1960s. They presented professional services to passengers such as handling luggage, delivering telegraph dispatches, maintaining cleanliness in passenger areas, and importantly, providing passengers with travel information.

In 1925, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was created. This changed the course of the twentieth century by securing higher wages and benefits for their membership and helped establish their civil rights. The porters, owing in part to their cosmopolitan experience, held positions of status and tremendous respect in the black community.

The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr. Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.

Also check out other Workshops in Allen.