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Course Description

Pullman Porters and the Rise of the Black Middle Class

In the 20th century, the Pullman Company became the largest employer of African American men in the United States.  Porters were active in politics, business, churches, and social clubs.  They worked to create the first all-Black labor union and served in leadership roles in the early Civil Rights Movement.  Women were invaluable in helping to organize the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, serving as civic leaders in their own right.  Porters used the rails to spread information about educational and employment opportunities in the north.  With each generation, they traced their success back to the sleeping car and the men who came before them.

Thur.                             11/6                                          10-11:30 am                              Online

Instructor:  Melissa Johnson                                                                                          Sessions: 1

 

Melissa Johnson is a full-time faculty member of the History Department at Collin College.  Melissa earned her B.C. and M.A. from Texas Woman’s University, specializing in 19th Century American and Industrial history.  She worked for the Museum of the American Railroad for many years, where she first began researching the Pullman Company.

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Section Title
Pullman Porters
Type
Online
Days
Th
Time
10:00AM to 11:30AM
Dates
Nov 06, 2025
Schedule and Location
View Details
Contact Hours
1.5
Course Fee(s)
Course Fee non-credit $0.00 Click here to get more information
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