Pullman rail cars dominated America’s railways in the late 1800s and early 1900s and the people who built and stewarded the iconic railcars’ legacies in the labor movement persists today. In 1894, Pullman factory workers walked out after failing to negotiate higher wages and acceptable living conditions and the American Railway Union removed its personnel from all Pullman cars in service. Rail travel in the US was difficult. The US Supreme Court intervened to end the strike after the arrival of soldiers sent to force trains back into operation led to violence. In 1925, the first African American labor union was formed out of the Pullman strike. The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters gained support locally and nationally leading to widespread unionization and regulation of working conditions. With NPF’s support through our partnership with @UPRR, Chicago-based artist Joe Nelson created a vintage-style poster to celebrate the Pullman Porters and the historic site in his hometown. “They were so instrumental in creating a black middle-class,” Nelson said. “They were also instrumental in kicking off the civil rights movement. These are like huge things that, not only for them, but for everybody, matter. So those types of things alone were enough to push them into another realm that should be celebrated. I just want to do them the service of showing that appreciation and giving them the credit that they deserve.” This Labor Day, we reflect upon the powerful and resilient legacy of the Pullman porters. You can learn more about Joe Nelson and @pullnps at the link in our story.