Museum Devoted To Black Union Movement and A. Philip Randolph To Celebrate 20-year Anniversary

CHICAGO - Jan. 6, 2015 - PRLog -- The year 2015 marks a milestone in the life of the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter (APRPP) 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 presentation represents the climactic high point of the evening.  



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.

While the Museum is small in size, it is large in stature because of its unique niche within the pantheon of Museums worldwide. Within its walls are artifacts, memorabilia, interactive displays, exhibits and rare documents. Among the offerings are original porters' items donated by descendants of the labor pioneers. 

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. All have been exposed to the Museum by visiting the site, by coming to one of its many traveling exhibits or by attending one of the many programs the Museum sponsors.

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 and the UAW Local 551 Union Solidarity Committee & Human and Civil Rights Committee to collaborate on this event because of our shared vision. That is to promote the union movement and 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.



Principals from the UAW, founder Hughes and Museum President David Peterson invite the public to support the event. 
“Those interested in preserving the rich history of the Black labor movement should join us on February 28 for this special anniversary. 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 Peterson. 



For more information on the Museum and to purchase tickets to the A. Philip Randolph “Gentle Warrior Awards,” log on to www.aprpullmanportermuseum.org/special-events.html