Delilah's Father George Frank Williams Pullman porter By Patti Schulte of History Hub

George Frank Williams, also known as Frank George Williams, was a significant figure in them history of Pullman porters. These porters worked on the Pullman Palace Car Company’s luxury railroad sleeping cars, serving white passengers traveling across the country. Here are some key points about George Frank Williams and the Pullman porters:

1. George M. Pullman and the Pullman Palace Car Company:

   1. George M. Pullman, a Chicago businessman, began hiring African American men (including many former slaves) to work as porters on his company’s sleeper cars.

   2. The sleeper cars were more comfortable and luxurious, providing amenities for wealthier passengers and middle-class travelers.

   3. Pullman recruited only Black men to work as porters, and their responsibilities included tasks like lugging baggage, shining shoes, setting up sleeping berths, and serving passengers1.

2. The Role of Pullman Porters:

   1. Pullman believed that former slaves would be ideal porters, as they could cater to passengers’ needs and work long hours for low wages.

   2. Despite the racism behind this practice, the Pullman Company became the largest single employer of Black men in the early 1900s.

   3. The porters played a crucial role in shaping the Great Migration, contributing to the rise of a new Black middle class and influencing the civil rights movement!.

3. Legacy and Impact:

   1. George Frank Williams and other porters faced racism and challenging working conditions but contributed significantly to American history.

   2. Their work helped create opportunities for African Americans during a time when many other businesses wouldn’t hire them.

In summary, George Frank Williams was part of a group of porters who not only served passengers but also played a pivotal role in social change and empowerment. Their legacy continues to be recognized today