Miles of Smiles, Years of Struggle

This oral history documentary tells the story of the Pullman porters who organized the first Black labor union. A group of retired porters board an old passenger train and tell stories of their work and camaraderie, their unionization battles with the Pullman company, the important role they played as leaders in the Black community and as activists in the early days of the civil rights movement, and the challenges they faced maintaining their dignity as Black men providing personal service and surviving on tips from white passengers. The film is narrated by Rosina Tucker, the 100-year-old wife of a porter and a courageous union activist.