Pullman Porters
Following the Civil War (from the late 1860s until 1968) the Pullman Company began employing formerly enslaved Black men as porters. Regardless of their names, all porters were referred to as "George". Almost 10,000 in number over the years, porters were underpaid, overworked and endured racism, humiliation and sexual abuse on the job. In 1925 the Pullman Porters organized the first all-Black union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. Despite the inhumane working conditions, being a porter was deemed one of the best jobs for Black men during this time. The work and sacrifices of the porters laid a foundation for the development of the Black middle class and advanced the Civil Rights Movement, including the organization of Rosa Parks' bus boycott and the March on Washington.
Design - The design conveys turning what was considered the lowest job on the train into opportunity to further a people. These trailblazers working as servants brought America some of its most pivotal civil rights moments.
100% 6.5oz Heavyweight Organic Cotton
Screen printed by hand (no machines or automated processes)
No toxic dyes, chemical fertilizers, or formaldehyde are used
Non-toxic earth friendly ink
Hand printed front and back print design
Boxy streetwear fit
Pre-shrunk and treated to ensure minimal shrinkage
Following the Civil War (from the late 1860s until 1968) the Pullman Company began employing formerly enslaved Black men as porters. Regardless of their names, all porters were referred to as "George". Almost 10,000 in number over the years, porters were underpaid, overworked and endured racism, humiliation and sexual abuse on the job. In 1925 the Pullman Porters organized the first all-Black union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. Despite the inhumane working conditions, being a porter was deemed one of the best jobs for Black men during this time. The work and sacrifices of the porters laid a foundation for the development of the Black middle class and advanced the Civil Rights Movement, including the organization of Rosa Parks' bus boycott and the March on Washington.
Design - The design conveys turning what was considered the lowest job on the train into opportunity to further a people. These trailblazers working as servants brought America some of its most pivotal civil rights moments.
100% 6.5oz Heavyweight Organic Cotton
Screen printed by hand (no machines or automated processes)
No toxic dyes, chemical fertilizers, or formaldehyde are used
Non-toxic earth friendly ink
Hand printed front and back print design
Boxy streetwear fit
Pre-shrunk and treated to ensure minimal shrinkage
Following the Civil War (from the late 1860s until 1968) the Pullman Company began employing formerly enslaved Black men as porters. Regardless of their names, all porters were referred to as "George". Almost 10,000 in number over the years, porters were underpaid, overworked and endured racism, humiliation and sexual abuse on the job. In 1925 the Pullman Porters organized the first all-Black union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. Despite the inhumane working conditions, being a porter was deemed one of the best jobs for Black men during this time. The work and sacrifices of the porters laid a foundation for the development of the Black middle class and advanced the Civil Rights Movement, including the organization of Rosa Parks' bus boycott and the March on Washington.
Design - The design conveys turning what was considered the lowest job on the train into opportunity to further a people. These trailblazers working as servants brought America some of its most pivotal civil rights moments.
100% 6.5oz Heavyweight Organic Cotton
Screen printed by hand (no machines or automated processes)
No toxic dyes, chemical fertilizers, or formaldehyde are used
Non-toxic earth friendly ink
Hand printed front and back print design
Boxy streetwear fit
Pre-shrunk and treated to ensure minimal shrinkage