The year 2025 marks the centennial anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP), a landmark organization in the history of labor rights and civil rights in America. Founded in 1925 by A. Philip Randolph and a group of courageous African American porters, the BSCP was the first predominantly Black labor union to gain significant recognition and make a lasting impact on workers’ rights and racial equality.

Who Were the Sleeping Car Porters?

Sleeping car porters were African American men employed by the Pullman Company to provide service on luxury railcars. While the job offered steady employment, it was grueling and exploitative. Porters worked long hours for low wages, relying heavily on tips, and endured discrimination from passengers and management alike. Despite these challenges, porters took pride in their work and became key figures in African American communities.

The Formation of the BSCP

The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters emerged from the need for change. Led by Randolph, a charismatic and determined activist, the union sought to address issues such as:

• Low wages and poor working conditions.
• Lack of job security and opportunities for advancement.
• Racism and unequal treatment within the company.

Despite resistance from the Pullman Company and even skepticism within the Black community, the BSCP persisted. In 1937, after over a decade of organizing, the union won its first collective bargaining agreement, securing better wages, shorter hours, and improved working conditions.

Why Does This Matter Today?

The BSCP was more than a labor union—it was a cornerstone of the civil rights movement. Its success proved the power of organized labor and collective action, inspiring future movements. Members of the BSCP played vital roles in civil rights campaigns, including the 1963 March on Washington, organized by Randolph and Bayard Rustin.

Classroom Connections

To commemorate this anniversary, educators can use the story of the BSCP to teach critical lessons about labor rights, social justice, and activism. Here are some ideas for classroom activities:

1. Historical Role-Playing: Have students reenact key moments from the BSCP’s history, such as union meetings or negotiations with the Pullman Company. This activity fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of the porters’ struggles and triumphs.
2. Primary Source Analysis: Provide students with historical documents, such as letters, photos, or speeches from A. Philip Randolph. Ask them to analyze these sources and discuss their significance.
3. Connecting to Modern Movements: Facilitate a discussion comparing the BSCP’s advocacy to contemporary labor movements. What parallels exist? What lessons can be learned?
4. Community Project: Encourage students to research and present on other lesser-known figures or organizations in Black labor history.

Continuing the Legacy

The story of the BSCP is one of perseverance, unity, and the belief in a better future. As we celebrate its 100th anniversary, we honor not only the porters who fought for dignity and fairness but also the enduring power of organized efforts to challenge injustice.

For more resources on the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and its legacy, visit ASALH’s official website or explore digital archives provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

This blog post along with others is part of my Diversity in the Classroom series. Each post is meant to help tell the story of individuals and groups sometimes lost in mainstream history. To read more and see other resources follow this link.