The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was a historic labor union that played a significant role in the African American civil rights movement. It was founded in 1925 by A. Philip Randolph, a prominent African American labor leader, to represent African American workers employed as porters on the nation's passenger trains.

At the time, porters were subjected to low wages, long hours, discriminatory treatment, and limited opportunities for advancement within the railroad industry. The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters sought to improve the working conditions and rights of African American porters through collective bargaining and advocacy.

One of the key achievements of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was the negotiation of the first labor agreement between a major company and an African American labor union. In 1937, after a long and difficult battle, the union successfully secured a contract with the Pullman Company that included wage increases, reduced working hours, and improved working conditions for porters.

The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters also played a critical role in the broader civil rights movement by advocating for racial equality and justice both within the labor movement and in society at large. A. Philip Randolph, as the leader of the union, was a vocal proponent of civil rights and was instrumental in organizing the famous March on Washington Movement in 1941, which pressured the federal government to desegregate the defense industry during World War II.

Overall, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was a pioneering organization that paved the way for future labor and civil rights movements, and its legacy continues to inspire activism and advocacy for social justice today.