Big Oaks

Museum Devoted to Black Union Movement Celebrate 2o Years of Struggle

Special Correspondent: M.M. McDowell

The year 2015 marks a milestone in the life of the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, because it celebrates two decades as the premiere guardian of the black union movement and keeper of A. Philip Randolph's legacy. To commemorate this occasion, the APRPP Museum, United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 551 - Union Solidarity Committee & Human and the Civil Rights Committee will host a gala celebration at the historic Parkway Ballroom in Chicago, at 4455 S. King Drive on Saturday, February 28 from 5 to 9:30 PM.

The dual purpose of the event is to congratulate the Museum on its milestone and to present the 2015 A. Philip Randolph Gentle Warrior Awards. This coveted honor is presented to deserving Americans who “push gently, yet forcefully, against the boundaries of conventionality with a warrior spirit, in much the same manner as A. Philip Randolph did throughout his career.”

The Museum is located at 10406 S. Maryland in Chicago's Pullman Community and was founded in 1995 by historian/visionary/author Dr. Lyn Hughes. Its history is rooted in Dr. Hughes' resolve to make the cultural institution the foremost chronicler of the black union movement -- with emphasis on the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters -- and to provide an enduring tribute to A. Philip Randolph. Within its walls are artifacts, memorabilia, interactive displays, exhibits and rare documents.

Over one million people have visited the Museum since its founding. This includes researchers, students, union members, history buffs, the curious and those wishing to become acquainted with this era. Considered a “crown jewel” among cultural institutions, the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum is also one of the centerpieces of the National Park Service's quest to designate the Pullman community as a National Park Service site.

Founder Hughes swells with pride as she reflects on the 20-year journey and this year's gala. She is particularly proud to be partnering with the United Auto Workers in hosting this anniversary event. “It is fitting for the Museum to collaborate with the union movement on this event because of our shared vision to keep the life and legacy of A. Philip Randolph alive and vibrant. Proceeds from the celebration will allow the Museum to continue and strengthen this mission,” said Hughes.

"This celebration will shine a light on the black union movement and will remind us of the power of the movement, the sacrifices made and the ultimate victory by a committed group of men,” declared David Peterson, museum President. Being honored with A. Philip Randolph Gentle Warrior Awards are Congresswoman Robin Kelly, City Treasurer Kurt Summers; Richard Trumka, President of the National AFL-CIO; legendary music industry businessman George Daniels; Metropolitan Apostolic Church, Pastor/Dr. Leon Finney and Chicago State University's Kwesi Harris.

FOX 32’s Dawn Hasbrouck and WVON’s Cliff Kelley to Co-Emcee Gentle Warrior Awards Gala. Hasbrouck’s participation in the event is particularly poignant because her great grandfather, Arthur Hasbrouck, was a Pullman Porter. For more information on the gala, and to purchase tickets, aprpullmanportermuseum.org or contact Melody M. McDowell at 312-371-8917.