Commemorating Black History Month 2025: African Americans and Labor in Public Transportation

Diversity Spotlight celebrates the diversity of RTD employees and the larger community that RTD serves and fosters an appreciation of our social and cultural similarities and differences. Diversity Spotlight supports RTD’s values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration and ownership.

For Black History Month 2025, the theme "African Americans and Labor" invites us to reflect on the profound ways that work — whether free or unfree, skilled or unskilled, vocational or voluntary — has shaped the collective experiences of Black Americans. This theme highlights the integral role that Black Americans have played in shaping the labor force, particularly within public transportation, a sector that has long been central to the advancement of racial equality, economic mobility and access to opportunity.

Trailblazers in Labor and Transportation

Throughout history, Black Americans have been a critical part of the transportation workforce, from the early days of railroad construction and streetcar operations to the vital roles of bus operators, mechanics and transit workers today. The public transportation industry has long been an avenue for economic advancement, connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare and other vital services. For Black Americans, public transit has often represented more than just a means of mobility — it has been a tool of liberation, providing access to opportunities in cities and communities where segregation and discrimination limited access to basic services.

In Denver, the contributions of Black Americans to transportation and labor have left a profound imprint on the city’s culture. The migration of Black railroad workers to Denver, particularly in the mid-20th century, contributed significantly to the development of theFive Points neighborhood, a historically Black community that became a cultural hub. These workers helped lay the foundation for a thriving local economy, influencing businesses, social spaces and community institutions that continue to shape the character of Denver today.

Prominent African American figures have made significant contributions to the labor force in transportation, advocating for equality, better working conditions and racial justice. These individuals not only shaped the transportation industry but also played key roles in advancing civil rights and building the foundation for the diverse, inclusive community that exists in Denver.

• C. L. Dellums – A labor leader and activist, Dellums was instrumental in organizing the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first African American-led labor union, which fought for better working conditions and wages for Black railroad workers. His work was crucial in the fight for civil rights and labor rights, and his leadership helped pave the way for greater representation of Black workers in the transportation industry.
• Rosa Parks – While Parks is best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, her legacy in transportation also highlights her contributions to the labor movement. By refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in 1955, Parks became an enduring symbol of resistance against racial injustice and discrimination in public transit. Her actions helped ignite a nationwide movement for civil rights and set the stage for further advancements in transportation equity.
• Harvey Pipkin – A former dining car waiter for Union Pacific, Harvey Pipkin is a prominent figure in Denver’s railroad history. Along with his brother Joseph, Harvey joined the thousands of African Americans who migrated from the Deep South to Denver after World War II, seeking better opportunities in the railroad industry. Working as a waiter on trains traveling to cities like Chicago and St. Louis, Harvey became part of a legacy of Black workers who helped shape Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. The Pipkin family went on to establish Pipkin Braswell Funeral Home & Cremation, a lasting fixture that originated in the Five Points area. Harvey's contributions to both the railroad workforce and his community remain a testament to the resilience and impact of Black Americans in transportation.
• A. Philip Randolph – Randolph was a prominent labor leader who helped organize the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first African American union to receive a charter from the American Federation of Labor (AFL). His advocacy for fair wages and better working conditions for Black railroad and transit workers led to landmark changes in the industry. Randolph’s work also played a key role in the 1963 March on Washington, where he called for jobs and freedom for Black Americans.

RTD continues to honor the legacy of these influential leaders and others by providing diverse and inclusive career opportunities within the transit sector. Black Americans have been integral to the development and sustainability of transit systems, and RTD’s commitment to equitable access remains rooted in this history. Our workforce is enriched by individuals who follow in the footsteps of these trailblazers, and we recognize that public transportation remains a vital tool for economic advancement and racial equity and the continued development of Denver’s vibrant, diverse culture.

Celebrating Black History Month

As part of its observance of Black History Month, RTD encourages employees and the broader community to support local businesses and participate in events that highlight the achievements of Black Americans and the cultures they have shaped. Here are some meaningful ways to get involved this February:

Support Local Black-Owned Businesses

• To support local Black-owned businesses and explore services available to the community, visit the Support Black-Owned Business webpage, which features a directory of Black-owned businesses, events, training and networking opportunities across the Denver metro area and nationwide.
• Little Black Book: The Little Black Book, produced annually by Denver Black Pages, serves as a guidebook and a spotlight for Black businesses and business owners in Colorado, inspired by The Negro Motorist Green Book. Join the 2025 Little Black Book Release Party from 7 to 11 p.m. Feb. 8 at Mississippi Boy Catfish & Ribs.

Black History Month Events

• Juanita Gray Community Service Awards: A free ceremony celebrating Denver's Black leaders, with live entertainment and refreshments. The event will take place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library.
• Black History Month Kickoff: From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 4, join the Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion and the University of Colorado Denver Center for Identity and Inclusion for a vibrant social event filled with community vendors, meaningful conversations and delicious food.
• Visit the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center: Throughout the month of February, schedule a visit to the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center to gain a deeper understanding of the role that African Americans played in the settlement and growth of the western United States through its collections, programs and exhibits.
• Harriet Tubman in Black History Live: From 11 a.m. to noon Feb. 2 at Sam Gary Branch Library. This performance will feature nationally acclaimed scholar and actor Becky Stone portraying Harriet Tubman. The monologue, followed by a Q&A session, offers a living-history experience of one of the most pivotal figures in African American history.
• Black History Month Show with Purnell Steen and the Five Point Ambassadors: At 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at Dazzle, as part of the Celebration of Black History Month, the Ambassadors will play the music of Five Points, and Purnell will share stories of the "Harlem of the West."
• “Resilience” Black History Month Fashion Show: From 3 to 7 p.m. Feb. 23, Black Pearl Entertainment Inc. will host its Black History Month Fashion Show "Resilience," featuring upcoming models, designers and performers, with live entertainment and vendors on site.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor those who paved the way for the labor rights and transportation equity we continue to strive for. Their contributions remain a source of inspiration, reminding us of the transformative power of work, advocacy and the fight for equality. Through continued efforts to improve service, accessibility and career development, RTD reaffirms its dedication to a more inclusive and just future for all.

Diversity Spotlight recognizes special observances as set forth by presidential proclamation, executive order and public law, and in keeping with RTD’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Please note that participation in these activities is voluntary and unpaid. Supervisor approval is required to participate if events occur during a regularly scheduled shift.