Pullman Porters Teacher Discussion Questions

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Pullman Porters Teacher Discussion Questions The following is a list of possible discussion questions to use in class after viewing the exhibit, Pullman Porters: From Service to Civil Rights. These are also helpful for discussion after completing the worksheet for the Pullman Porter Civil and Labor Rights Photographic Worksheet. 1. Describe the process the Pullman porters, and eventually other African Americans, underwent to receive labor and civil rights. 2. The Pullman Porters worked long hours for little pay. Was this fair or unfair? Was this happening to other African Americans who worked in other types of jobs? 3. What did the Pullman Porters do to improve their working conditions? Why was this important in history? 4. Did Pullman Porters participate in other important historical events besides forming a labor union? 5. What historical person took part in establishing the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and the Civil Rights Movement? How did his participation help the well-being of the African American community? 6. Were there other people or organizations that were against the formation of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters? Against Civil Rights? Who were they? Why were they against these things? 7. How are Civil and Labor Rights for all people, regardless of who they are, an important part of democracy? Explain. 8. How were the Pullman Porters finally able to form a union? Did new laws need to be written? Why would a law have to be written to help the porters? 9. How did the actions of the porters change and contribute to their community? 10. How did the formation of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters demonstration cooperation? Page 1 Created by Jacqueline Frank, Director of Education National Railroad Museum, 2009 .

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