The Colored Trainmen of America (C.T.A.) was formed on April 6, 1918, with the purpose, as the founding charter stated, "of promoting the condition and welfare of its members and to elevate their social, moral, and intellectual standing." The C.T.A. was one of the earliest black unions in America and from its inception the union strived to protect the rights of its members, the vast majority being railroad brakemen and stewards. Through the years, the union had assisted in areas such as civil rights, discrimination, equal pay rates, job safety, working condidions, and health benefits. With the increased usage of other modes of transportation and the cancellation of many of the train runs in Texas and Louisiana, the C.T.A. had no choice but to dissolve in 1968. Even merger with the International Association of Railway Employees and the Association of Railway Trainmen and Locomotive Firemen failed to save the union.
From the guide to the Colored Trainmen of America Papers RG R 3., 1918-1982, 1940-1969, (Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library)
