Pullman Porters and West Oakland (Images of America Series)

A hub of transportation and industry since the mid-19th century, West Oakland is today a vital commercial conduit and an inimitably distinct and diverse community within the Greater Oakland metropolitan area. The catalyst that transformed this neighborhood from a transcontinental rail terminal into a true settlement was the arrival of the railroad porters, employed by the Pullman Palace Car Company as early as 1867. After years of struggling in labor battles and negotiations, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters Union became the first African Americanled union to sign a contract with a large American company. The unions West Coast headquarters were established at Fifth and Wood Streets in West Oakland. Soon families, benevolent societies, and churches followed, and a true community came into being.Tramble, Thomas is the author of 'Pullman Porters and West Oakland (Images of America Series)', published 2007 under ISBN 9780738547893 and ISBN 0738547891.