Boss of the Grips, Eric K. Washington
Boss of the Grips, Eric K. Washington
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Boss of the Grips
The Life of James H. Williams and the Red Caps of Grand Central Terminal

Author: Eric K. Washington

Narrator: David Sadzin

Unabridged: 10 hr 11 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/22/2019


Synopsis

A long-overdue biography of the head of Grand Central Terminal's Red Caps, who flourished in the cultural nexus of Harlem and American railroads.

In a feat of remarkable research and timely reclamation, Eric K. Washington uncovers the nearly forgotten life of James H. Williams (1878–1948), the chief porter of Grand Central Terminal's Red Caps—a multitude of Harlem-based black men whom he organized into the essential labor force of America's most august railroad station. Washington reveals that despite the highly racialized and often exploitative nature of the work, the Red Cap was a highly coveted job for college-bound black men determined to join New York's bourgeoning middle class. Examining the deeply intertwined subjects of class, labor, and African American history, Washington chronicles Williams's life, showing how the enterprising son of freed slaves successfully navigated the segregated world of the northern metropolis, and in so doing ultimately achieved financial and social influence. With this biography, Williams must now be considered, along with Cornelius Vanderbilt and Jacqueline Onassis, one of the great heroes of Grand Central's storied past.

About Eric K. Washington

Eric K. Washington is an independent historian who has held fellowships at Columbia University and the CUNY Leon Levy Center for Biography, as well as the MFAH Dora Maar House in Menerbes, France. He lives in New York.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Bill

“Boss of The Grips” tells of the life and times of James H. Williams, who was the Chief Attendant of the Red Caps at the Grand Central Terminal in New York. The Red Caps were a group of, most often Harlem-based, black baggage porters who helped train passengers navigate through the labyrinthine arte......more

ehhhhhh......more

Goodreads review by Mary

Good story......more

Boss of the Grips: The Life of James H. Williams and the Red Caps of Grand Central Terminal by Eric K. Washington is a different book than I expected. Williams lived from 1878 to 1948 and he was the chief of the Red Caps in Grand Central Station. His family history is one from slavery to freedom. Hi......more