Collector Spotlight: The Pullman Collection - Jamaal Craig, Pittsburgh, PA

In observance of Labor Day, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jamaal Craig, who has a private collection of Pullman Porter artifacts.

Jamaal is a native of South Carolina and moved to Pittsburgh by way of Chicago some 12 Years ago for a job in the Steel Worker’s union.  He is currently the Executive Director for PA Interfaith Impact Network.  His is married and the father of 4 children.  He has been collecting for approximately 15 years.  His first collection was that of political buttons.

Becoming interested in the Union of Pullman Porters was a natural fit.  Civil Rights activation is in his blood. Jamaal spoke endearing of his grandfather who was a Civil Rights activist with the NAACP and AME Zion Church.  He would make Jamaal read the paper so that he was aware of the world around him.  He attended meetings for social justice with his grandfather. Jamaal become interested in the labor movement and A. Phillip Randolph.  He developed a deeper interest in the first all black union when is was a student at the University of Tennessee.

The first item that he added to his Pullman Porter Collection was the A. Phillip Randolph sheet of stamps.  A photo the the frame items is presented.   Since then, his collection has expanded to more than 150 items including china, pay stubs, dues card, coffee mugs, entire uniform etc.  Because there was already a network of people who collected train related items, he was able to expand his collection. Jamaal’s favorite piece is the Pullman Hat.  It was a symbol of Black Manhood.    

A. Phillip Randolph was the founder of the Brotherhood of Pullman Porter, the first all black union.  He was also the editor of The Messenger Magazine.  A. Phillip Randolph was feared because he had mastered the English language. In fact, when Jamaal speaks with the youth, he encourages them to read and take their studies seriously.

It is a little known fact that George Schiller, who reported for the Pittsburgh Courier was trained by A. Phillip Randolph.  Another little known fact is that there is a former boarding house located in the Strip District section of Pittsburgh, Pa.  Hopefully one day it become an historical landmark.

Jamaal enjoys sharing his knowledge about the Pullman Porters and encouraging young people to seek to know their history.   Several of his items are currently displayed at the Thurgood Marshall Center in Washington, DC.

In the future, Jamaal would love to recreate the dinning care of a train to showcase his collection.

Jamaal’s favorite quote: 

“At the banquet table of nature, there are no reserved seats” A. Phillip Randolph

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