Tickets and Sponsorships Available

(Black PR Wire) Chicago, IL – The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum (NAPRPPM) proudly announces its signature fundraising event with the celebration of the Museum's 31st Founding Anniversary through the A. Philip Randolph “Gentle Warrior Awards” Gala. This highly anticipated event will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026 at the Wintrust’s Grand Banking Hall, located at 231 S. LaSalle Street in Chicago, Illinois from 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM (CST). Celebrity co-hosts are Michelle Relerford of NBC 5 Chicago and iHeart Radio personality Marseil Jackson.

Founded in 1995 by Dr. Lyn Hughes, the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum stands as the only formally established Black Labor History Museum in the nation that bears their names. The museum has promoted this compelling legacy for three decades, while providing ongoing inspiration of strong cultural pride to the next generation, not only in Chicago, but nationally. 

“I am profoundly grateful that God chose me for this incredible assignment. It has been my honor, and it is not something that I take lightly,” said Hughes. “The Gentle Warrior Awards Gala is an amazing opportunity where our team is laser-focused on amplifying the ongoing mission of the museum to educate and inspire future generations not just in Chicago, but nationally and internationally. It continues to be an incredible journey.”

Hughes’ longstanding commitment to the preservation of A. Philip Randolph and the Pullman Porter’s legacy has led to the museum’s expansion into a cornerstone of what will become  “A. Philip Randolph’s Way,” the first Black Tourism District in Chicago and the nation. The 104th block of Maryland Avenue on which the museum currently stands will grow to include the Ladies Auxiliary Women’s History Museum along with a series of other businesses strategically located to ignite economic growth on the northern boundary of the Pullman National Historical Park district. 

Even with construction delays, Hughes indicated that the completed project will be “worth the wait.”

Randolph’s unwavering courage, sacrifice and intuitive leadership opened doors for Blacks in organized labor and enabled the Porters to create the foundation for the Black middle class. As one of America’s foremost labor and civil rights leaders, Randolph became known as the “Gentle Warrior.” The Gentle Warrior Award is presented to individuals who exhibit the similar commitment, focus, and tenacity that Randolph displayed throughout his career.

In addition to the A. Philip Randolph Gentle Warrior Award, there are two other categories. The Change Agent Award honors leaders in organized labor and civil rights, business and Politics, and who embody A. Philip Randolph's legacy of change, and the Descendants of Distinction Award recognizes a descendant of a Pullman Porter.

The honorees are as follows:

Philip Randolph Gentle Warrior Award Recipient

BUSINESS

Larita Clark

1st Black female CEO of Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA)

Change Agents:

LABOR

Juan Campos, Secretary Treasurer

International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 705 

James P. Connolly, Business Manager

Chicago Laborers District Council

Keith Richardson, General President

American Postal Workers Union Local 1

Ephrin Jenkins (EJ)

Founder and President

Black Labor Week Project Inc.

POLITICS

Kimberly Du Buclet

IL State Representative 5th District

Dr. Kisha McCaskill

Cook County Board Commissioner 5th District

COMMUNITY & BUSINESS – Change Agents

Mr. & Mrs. Spencer and Henrietta Leak

Shermann “Dilla” Thomas

Celebrated Chicago Historian and Storyteller

Descendant of Distinction Award Recipient

Tracy Murray – Grandniece of a Pullman Porter    

Chief of Staff for City of Chicago, 9th Ward Alderman Beale

“The support over the years continues to be incredible, and we are inviting the masses to join us in our efforts to preserve the legacy and significant strides of A. Philip Randolph the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and the Black Labor movement in general,” added Hughes.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. For more information, visit Thepullmanportersmuseum.org.