The famed Pullman porters held a place of pride in Black communities for decades.

The all-Black, all-male porters provided elegant and attentive service on the luxury railroad – but they performed that labor under abominable working conditions and for subpar wages.

In 1925, the workers organized and founded the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in hopes of forcing the Pullman Company to the bargaining table.

In this clip from a 2001 episode of “Chicago Stories,” host John Calloway describes the Brotherhood’s ultimate triumph under the leadership of legendary union president A. Philip Randolph.

Pullman National Monument and State Historic Site is hosting a Labor Day event on Sept. 5 from noon to 4 pm at 11001 S. Cottage Grove Ave. The free event takes place outdoors at the historic Pullman manufacturing grounds and features family friendly activities, walking tours, musical performances and speakers.