Print - Expo New Mexico

Exhibit: Working on the Rails: African Americans
and Domestic Train Service
Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Through September 29, 2012
This exhibit is a brief display of photos
and flash backs of the experiences and
the legacy of the Pullman porters and
the thousands of black railroad workers
involved in rail car maintenance, baggage
assistance, food service and room
service on the trains. Beyond the stylish
interiors of the Pullman car, the luxury
and comforts provided by Blacks, these
moments in time for the Pullman Porters,
attendants, dining car cooks and waiters,
maids, and baggage handlers portray a
human story of racism and exploitation,
but also represent the quiet struggles,
new strategies for improvement, and
union options to create a better future for Blacks.
These jobs also represented full employment and steady work for Blacks at a time
when there were few real jobs for African Americans. However, the porters were
also required to work a minimum of 400 hours a month, to travel all over the country
at a moment’s notice, to pay for their own suits and uniforms to work without
opportunity for promotion, and they had no permanent sleeping quarters on the
train. They also had to come in early, without pay, to set up the Pullman sleeper
quarters and layout supplies and materials, prepare the beds and get ready for the
travel assignment. Poor working conditions and low pay finally led to formation of
the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in 1925, and the appointment of A. Philip
Randolph as their president in 1929. Under Randolph’s leadership, the union would
go on years later in 1937 to win more money, greatly improved working conditions,
and major changes in their contract. A Philip Randolph, a New York activist, with
connections in Washington, DC, continued as union president and also worked
with Martin Luther King on the March on Washington in 1963-1964, and assisted
with other civil rights projects.
Back in New Mexico, African Americans were here as Buffalo soldiers between 1866
and 1891, some of whom would retire to various cities around the state. With the
arrival of the railroads in 1880’s, they and others, who may have arrived by train,
would come to take advantage of less prejudiced people and towns, to find new
work, to set-up small businesses, and also to acquire inexpensive property or homesteading
land including also Blackdom the all Black township near Roswell.
FREE events at the African American Performing Arts Center
Friday, September 14
7:00 p.m.: Comedy Night
Local Comedians bring their comedy
to the stage.
Saturday, September 15
7:00 p.m.: Karaoke Night
All are invited to show your talents
through song
Friday, September 21
7:00 p.m.: Up and Coming Talent
Showcase
Local artists bringing their talents to
the stage
Saturday, September 22
7:00 p.m.: “Party Night”
Come and learn how to line dance
(Country and other line dances)
aaPac
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