Union Pacific Railroad Museum Celebrates Black History Month
Union Pacific Railroad Museum is partnering with Union Pacific's Black Employee Network (BEN) to celebrate Black History Month on Saturday, February 8, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Union Pacific's BEN members will host Innovation Stations throughout the Museum allowing visitors to explore key contributions made by African Americans to the railroad industry during the two hour event. Developments in safety, communication and civil rights come together in a tapestry of innovation unique to the railroad industry. Stations include innovations in mechanics and safety as well as pioneers in exploration and civil rights, with Union Pacific's first black female engineer, Edwina Justus, who became an engineer in 1976 after working for Union Pacific as an office clerk for two years, and will co-host a station with a current member of BEN.
From Labor Unions and the Civil Rights Movement, to key innovations and ideas, African Americans throughout American history have made major contributions to the rail industry. Today there are African American employees working in critical leadership roles throughout all departments of Union Pacific, and BEN continues to be a driving force for change within Union Pacific and in the railroad industry.
"BEN is very excited to work with the Union Pacific Railroad Museum in bringing to life the important roles African Americans have played, and continue to play, in the Railroad Industry," stated Jacqueline R. White, president of BEN. "There was a fantastic response from the community last year and we are hoping for even greater results with this new program."
This special event, offered only on Saturday, Feb. 8, is free to the public, and no reservations are required. BEN members will be stationed throughout the museum from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
