Sleeping Car Porters

Welcome back to this episode of “Our Untold Past”, in today’s episode, we will explore the crucial roles played by Jamaican Maroons and the sleeping car porters in shaping Canada’s history.

Discover the journey of Jamaican Maroons, who fled slavery in Jamaica and sought freedom on Canadian soil. Learn about their survival skills, their establishment of independent communities, and their significant role in the abolitionist movement.

We’ll also delve into the lives of sleeping car porters, many of them being Black citizens, who were essential in the history of the railway system. Despite facing long hours, low pay, and minimal respect, even through all of that, they maintained a high level of professionalism and dedication to their duties.

Also tune in to learn about A. Philip Randolph, a tireless advocate for justice, equality, and workers’ rights. His leadership of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters led to the significant improvements in wages and working conditions, becoming a role model for young generations, if they know his story. Listen and understand our past to shape a better future, for you, for us, and for many generations to come.