PODCAST EPISODE #339: An interview with author Eric K. Washington, author of “Boss of the Grips: The Life of James H. Williams and the Red Caps of Grand Central Terminal”.
The Red Caps of Grand Central Terminal were a workforce of hundreds of African-American men who were an essential part of the long-distance railroad experience. Passengers relied on Red caps for more than simply grabbing their bags — they were navigators, they helped with taxis, offered advice, and provided a warm greeting.
In his 2019 book, “Boss of the Grips: The Life of James H. Williams and the Red Caps of Grand Central Terminal”, author Eric K. Washington tells the remarkable story of Williams, “The Chief” of the Grand Central Red Caps. He was a boss to many, a friend to thousands of passengers, and a confidant to celebrities, politicians… even occupants of the White House.
He also tells the story of Grand Central Terminal, and specifically, of the Red Caps who worked here, especially during the Terminal’s heyday in the first half of the 20th century. And along the way, the book chronicles how New York’s African-American enclaves and communities developed and moved around the city.
That huge story is told through the lens of this one, often underappreciated, and yet instrumental man — James Williams. He was the chief of the Red Caps, but also an under-reported figure in the Harlem Renaissance.
The Grand Central Red Caps Orchestra perform “Nina”, under the direction of Russell Wooding, Frank Luther (vocals). RCA Victor, 1931
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4 replies on “James H. Williams and the Red Caps of Grand Central Terminal”
Thanks so much for inviting me on! It’s always a pleasure to talk about James H. Williams’s singular success at New York’s iconic “gateway to the American continent.“ Chief Williams deftly turned Grand Central Terminal’s racialized and subordinated department into a potent byway towards African-American economic advancement, community building and activism. His redcap alums included NYC‘s first black policeman Jesse Battle; international concert artist and human rights activist Paul Robeson; and U.S. congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. But even more, his example at Grand Central influenced railroad stations nationwide. I’m thrilled to think our convo will treat your listeners to just a fraction of Williams’s fascinating New York story, which of course was enough to fill my book, “Boss of the Grips.”
[…] man from North Carolina. He was there to give the stationmaster his resignation from the famous Red Caps, an African American workforce that hauled passenger bags and provided services for long-distance […]
Thank you so much
I am producing and directing a play about the red caps. The lead performer will play of course Mr. Williams. It’s a bit sugar coated to make it entertaining, but the message of what he did and what the red caps went through will be witnessed. Knowing about some of the noted people that he and his red cap’s helped would be helpful. Thank you.