PULLMAN PORTER MURAL UNVEILED

Joe Nelson speaks about the inspiration for the mural he created highlighting the contributions of the Pullman porters. PHOTO BY TIA CAROL JONES
Joe Nelson speaks about the inspiration for the mural he created highlighting the contributions of the Pullman porters. PHOTO BY TIA CAROL JONES

PULLMAN PORTER MURAL UNVEILED

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Just steps away from the Pullman National Historical Park is a mural highlighting the contributions of the Pullman porters. The mural was created by Joe Nelson. It shows a Pullman porter, with a Pullman sleeper car and the Pullman Clock Tower in the background, along with a group of porters.

Nelson wanted to shine a light on the Pullman porters and
the community of Pullman. He wanted to show the magic and
the history of the area. “I try to touch on a lot of things, like the
Pullman porters themselves, the work they did, their resilience,
their strength and the sleeping cars and the clock tower; these
are instrumental pieces to the history of Pullman,” Nelson said.

It took Nelson two weeks to complete the mural, which is
located at 109th and Cottage Grove. He believes the mural is a huge deal for him and the Pullman National Historical Park. In 2021, Nelson created a poster for the Pullman National Historical Park. He said while it is a different project, different medium and different scale, the projects have similarities because they both honor Pullman. Nelson feels it is a tremendous honor to join the other storytellers who share some
of the history and magic of Pullman.

Nelson also worked with students from Little Black Pearl on a smaller version of his mural, which is inside the Pullman National Historical Park Visitors Center. “They have their own artistic interpretation of the same piece. So, it’s great to see
their color choices and selections and the way they crafted the
piece. It’s beautiful to see,” Nelson said.

Sue Bennett, Assistant Superintendent of the Pullman National
Historical Park thanked community residents, nonprofit partners and elected officials for their support. “We appreciate that even though he goes globally and makes beautiful art, he chose to come here to 109th Street and put a piece of lasting art here that’s going to influence hundreds and hundreds of people
each week and inspire them to learn more about this amazing
place and the Pullman porter story,” Bennett said about Nelson
and the mural.

During his speech, Nelson said the work combines retro and
modern and is a bridge that speaks to the past and looks forward to the future. He said that is what Pullman is all about, learning from the history and seeing where the neighborhood can go.bLiisa Stark, Vice President for Public Affairs at Union Pacific, called Nelson a humble talent and a great representation of the community.

“This mural stands as a powerful testament to the rich history and profound contributions that were made by the Pullman porters. It’s a reminder of the resilience, strength and unity,” Stark said. “We’re privileged and honored to be part of
experiencing the growth of this community through the
residents, through Alderman Beale and others. New jobs,
new services and new stores are landing in this neighborhood
at the intersection of America and it’s great to see.”

Adrena Ifill, Director of History and Culture at the National Parks Foundation, talked about the history of the Pullman National Historical Park, from the grand opening to the unveiling of the mural. “You have beautifully captured the history in the artwork and we hope this mural will educate and inspire the community and visitors for generations to come. Thank you for bringing this story to life,” Ifill said.

For more information about the Pullman National Historical Park, visit www.nps.gov/pull/index.htm

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