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“Fight or Be Slaves" A. Philip Randolph and the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters

  • Dates: February 3, 2025 - February 28, 2025
  • Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
  • Time: From: 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM
  • Price: FREE
  • Overview

    2025 Black History Month EXHIBITION ON VIEW


    Location: New York State Capitol, Governor's Reception Room, 2nd Floor


    *Closed: Monday, February 17, 2025*


    In recognition of the national 2025 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor,” this exhibit celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, a labor union that represented Black porters and maids who staffed Pullman Company railroad sleeping cars. It was the first Black union in the United States to be recognized by the American Federation of Labor.


    Created in New York City and led by labor activist A. Philip Randolph, the Brotherhood expanded into regional chapters throughout the nation. Their efforts were instrumental in both the labor and national Civil Rights Movements, laying the groundwork for economic and social justice today. Using their slogan “Fight or Be Slaves,” A. Philip Randolph and all the brave porters who fought for their cause inspired generations of Black workers to positively change their communities, their state, and the nation for greater economic and social equality.
     


    *Please note that historical documents in this exhibition may contain outdated and offensive terminology and depictions.


    Image Caption: Civil Rights leaders, including Roy Wilkins, Executive Secretary of the NAACP, and A. Philip Randolph, march together during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. 

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