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Always having a fascination of history and propensity toward writing, I decided to give back by joining the Transport Workers Union Local 100 Black History Committee in 1991.

 

It was there, I discovered a creative force that became a new revelation in my life that had laid dormant within me. A sense of purpose and direction quickly followed when researching and writing articles about our heritage for the annual Black History celebration. It was a joy to constructively brain storm on some central theme and a formidable key note speaker with committee members. My travels throughout the Metropolitan area, encompassed reaching out to poets, writers, singers, dance troops, martial arts, medical health organization and vendors. In order to present a dynamic program for the rank and file and whereby they would have a strong desire to return the following year with family and friends. In November 1996, while viewing a PBS documentary, entitled, “Transportation in America.” I noticed there was no mention of the African American contributions. As Chairman of the Black History Committee for TWU Local 100, I felt it was my responsibility to write a research paper documenting the African American Presences in the transportation system. This is when I began to discover and uncover the extraordinary legacy of Granville T. Woods. My mission became to have Granville T. Woods recognized and acknowledge for his significant contributions toward the New York City Transit System.