Rising from the Rails
Mr. Tye talked about his book Rising from the Rails: Pullman Porters and the Making of the Black Middle Class, published by Henry Holt and Company. He discussed the lives of the African-Americans who worked for the Pullman Company, which provided luxury sleeping cars for railroads. The book draws on in-depth interviews and oral histories from the surviving railroad workers and their families. Mr. Tye highlighted what he thinks are important legacies left by these Pullman porters. He explained that they formed the first black trade union, assisted in the civil rights movement, and paved the way for next generation of African Americans to be more successful. Mr. Tye also mentioned the struggles black porters went through. Two former Pullman employees share their own experiences.
Audio is unclear at certain points throughout this event. Mr. Tye talked about his book Rising from the Rails: Pullman Porters and the M… read more
Audio is unclear at certain points throughout this event.
Mr. Tye talked about his book Rising from the Rails: Pullman Porters and the Making of the Black Middle Class, published by Henry Holt and Company. He discussed the lives of the African-Americans who worked for the Pullman Company, which provided luxury sleeping cars for railroads. The book draws on in-depth interviews and oral histories from the surviving railroad workers and their families. Mr. Tye highlighted what he thinks are important legacies left by these Pullman porters. He explained that they formed the first black trade union, assisted in the civil rights movement, and paved the way for next generation of African Americans to be more successful. Mr. Tye also mentioned the struggles black porters went through. Two former Pullman employees share their own experiences. close
People in this video
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E. Donald Hughes II Pullman Porter (Former)
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James Kearse Pullman Porter (Former)
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Larry Tye Author
Hosting Organization
Series
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