The Rock Island Public Library’s Feb. 26 Black history spotlight focuses on the Civil Rights legacy of the Pullman Porters, Black railroad workers who organized for better working conditions in the 1920s.
Pullman Porters & Civil Rights, Feb. 26 at Rock Island Library
The Rock Island Public Library will show the Chicago Stories documentary, “Pullman and the Railroad Rebellion” at 2pm on Monday, Feb. 26 at the Rock Island Downtown Library. 401 19th Street. The program is free and open to all.
Railroad titan George Pullman transformed long-distance rail travel with his luxury sleeping cars. When his success didn’t trickle down to those who built, operated, and staffed his cars, workers rebelled. While the first major strike failed, Black Pullman sleeping car workers later found success through organizing their own union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids. Their efforts paved the way for a Black middle class and civil rights movement that changed American history.
For more information on upcoming library programs, visit the library website, call 309-732-READ, or follow library social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.
Photo: Pullman Porter at Union Station, Chicago, Illinois, 1944. Library of Congress public domain collection. Original: United States Office of War Information, Overseas Picture Division, Washington Division, 1944.