Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

Born in Washington, D.C., in 1881, Rosina Tucker helped to organize the first Black labor union — the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. For her family, neighbors, and members of her church community, Mrs. Tucker was a valued source of knowledge, wisdom, and local history. She is featured in The Smithsonian Folklife and Oral History Interviewing Guide. Photograph by Paul Wagner.