The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters: Vanguard of the Civil Rights Movement Exhibit

On Friday, February 1, The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters: Vanguard of the Civil Rights Movement Exhibit, a collection of Pullman Porter artifacts went on display at the Thurgood Marshall Center in Washington, DC. Curated by Jamaal Craig, this unique exhibit will be on display free of charge to the public from February 1 – 28.

The exhibit was created to help raise awareness about the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP) - the nation’s first black labor union formed in 1925 and their contributions to the American Civil Rights Movement. With the help of Ms. Thelma Jones, curator of the Thurgood Marshall Exhibit housed in the Thurgood Marshall Center, The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters: Vanguard of the Civil Rights Movement exhibit has expanded in scope and was most recently on display in the world renowned Arena Stage Theater in conjunction with the Pullman Porter Blues, an award winning play depicting the life of three generations of Pullman Porters.

The (BSCP) was founded under the guidance of civil rights and labor leader A. Philip Randolph. Considered by many to be the Father of the Civil Rights Movement, Randolph led the (BSCP) in a long fierce 12 year battle to organize for union recognition and collective bargaining rights against the powerful Pullman Company. Prior to forming their union and winning their first contract, the Porters were viewed as servants. Their resilient fight for recognition brought about sweeping changes in Workers' Rights, as well as Civil Rights for Blacks and is credited with creating the basis for a Black Middle Class in America.

For more information on the exhibit please contact Washington DC Exhibit Coordinator Thelma Jones at 202-251-1639 or info@jamaalcraig.com



(L-R) Ms. Thelma Jones and Jamaal Craig at Arena Stage Theater