A. Philip Randolph “Gentle Warrior Awards” Returns as a Gala Cocktail Reception

A. Philip Randolph “Gentle Warrior Awards” Returns as a Gala Cocktail Reception

The only museum of its kind to celebrate community leaders
who uphold the labor movement; agents of change Presented by Wintrust, the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum (NAPRPPM) will mark its 27th anniversary by hosting the “Gentle Warrior Awards” Gala Cocktail Reception. The museum’s premiere fundraiser will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, Hyde Park Bank, 1525 East 53rd St.

“NAPRPPM museum is the only one of its kind in the world,” said museum’s founder Dr. Lyn Hughes. “We honor and
celebrate exclusively the contributions of African Americans
in America’s labor movement. That is precisely why we must
preserve the history and continue to tell the full, authentic story
of those who paved the way for African Americans in organized
labor.”

The museum is the only one in existence that bears the name of A. Philip Randolph, founder of the first Black labor union in the nation, The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car (BSCP). The Porter’s union was the first Black union to be chartered under the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the first Black union to win a collective bargaining agreement with major US corporation, the powerful Pullman company.

Randolph’s unshakable courage, sacrifice, and brilliant leadership removed barriers for Blacks in organized labor, and
enabled the Porters to create the foundation for the Black middle class. As one of America’s foremost labor and civil rights leaders, Randolph became known as the “Gentle Warrior.”

Organizers of the Gentle Warrior Awards, a Black-Tie Gala
Cocktail Reception will transform the non-traditional backdrop
of a financial institution into an unforgettable affair complete
with a red carpet, live entertainment by Emmy award winner and
international vocalist Joan Collaso, dancing, delectable culinary
bites and savory desserts. The special guest host is Hosea Sanders of ABC 7 Chicago.

This year’s Gentle Warrior Awardees are Tefere Gebre, Executive Vice President of the National AFL-CIO, and Donald
Finn, Business Manager, IBEW Local 134.

The Change Agent Award is presented to those who have not only invoked positive change through action but have required it of others throughout the communities they serve.

“The pandemic has indeed impacted the way events are being
held,” added Hughes. “We want to ensure that our guests are
safe, so proof of vaccination or negative COVID 19 test results
will be required.”

The funds generated by this awards gala will contribute to the mobilization funds required to jump-start the museum’s expansion project which is scheduled for spring 2022.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available via
Eventbrite. For more information about NAPRPP, visit www.
aprpullmanportermuseum.org.

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