Pullman Porter Museum Brings 1st Annual Ida B. Wells Book Fair
To the Pullman National Monument in Solidarity with the UK’s
Black History Month Celebration
by Marion Hercyl
Defender Contributing Writer
President Obama Signs legislature Acknowledgement
The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum located in the Chicago National Park Service’s Pullman National Monument, will host the first Annual Ida B. Wells Book and Arts Fair October 17 and 18, 2015 from noon – 4pm.
The Book Fair is the dual celebration of Ida B. Wells’ work and the symbolic gesture of solidarity with the UK the recognition of Black History which they celebrate during the month of October.
Ida B. Wells, a progressive civil rights activist and journalist whose work and writings against racism resulted in death threats.
Some of Chicago’s finest authors will be present at the Book Fair: and will highlight the book Ida: In Her Own Words: The timeless writings of Ida B. Wells from 1893, Compiled and Edited by Michelle Duster her great-granddaughter. Lionel Kimble Jr. Ph.D., author and historian, Bernard C. Turner, and Michelle Duster, an accomplished author in her own right, will present and read from her two books that are compilations of Wells’ works which also includes. “Ida from Abroad The timeless writings of Ida B. Wells from England in 1894″
David Peterson Jr., President of the Pullman Porter museum stated “in our continuing efforts to cultivate the international Tourism Development initiative along the south lakefront region from Bronzeville to Pullman; we recently discovered that black history in the UK is celebrated in October. He continued, “Armed with that fact we decided that we would celebrate in solidarity with the UK and launch the first Annual Ida B. Wells Book and Art Fair, highlighting Wells’ writings.
A Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum
One might say there is no connection between the Pullman community and Ida B. Wells, why Pullman? However, stating so would be like saying because the Pullman Porters did not live in the Pullman community, there is no connection. Their employment with the Pullman Company, resulted the creation of America’s first Black Labor union. A little known fact is, Wells provided strategic assistance to the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (AKA) Pullman Porters during their early organizing days in Chicago. That connection has been documented in at least two books, one of which is an Anthology of Respect: The Pullman Porter National Historic Registry, the preface was written Lerone Bennett.
“There is also a long standing connection between the Bronzeville community through the collaboration with Bronzeville visitor information Center and the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum and our cultivation of international tourism,” said Dr. Lynn Hughes Museum founder. “This is a fantastic example of cultural entities and individuals coming together in a Social entrepreneurial effort. What better way to perpetuate our heritage than through books and the Arts,” she stated.
On Sunday, October 18th, A New Deal for Bronzeville Housing, Employment, and Civil Rights in Black Chicago, 1935–1955 by Lionel Kimble Jr. Ph.D. will also highlighted. He will discuss the Great Migration of the 1920s and 1930s, and how southern African Americans flocked to the South Side Chicago community of Bronzeville, the cultural, political, social, and economic hub of African American life in the city, if not the Midwest. Kimble’s book demonstrates how these struggles, led to much of the civil rights activism that occurred from 1935 to 1955 in Chicago; and how this working-class activism and culture helped to ground the early civil rights movement.
This event also has something for children too! On Saturday, October 17th, Tate and His Historic Dream (A children’s Book) Bernard C. Turner and Michelle Duster will be featured.. The book gives children the opportunity to go on a journey with fourth grader, Tate, where he meets and interacts with 28 different historic people. Turner and Duster feel that “Learning history builds a sense of pride in who you are, where you came from and what you can achieve”
The authors meet and greet attendees and will be on hand to autograph their books. All of the books will be available for purchase. For more info call 773-850-8580 or visit https://pullmanportermuseum.com/special-events.html Vendor interest call The Black Mall 773-357-6154
National A Phillip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum
Ida B. Wells Book and Art Fair.
October 17 12-4pm
October 18 12-4 p,
10406 S, Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL
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