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The Unforgettable Journey of Train Zorha Edwards: A Trailblazing Conductor in the Face of Adversity

Joseph Heller

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In the annals of American history, the story of Train Zorha Edwards stands out as a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of breaking barriers. As the first African American woman to work as a train conductor in the United States, Edwards paved the way for countless others, inspiring generations to believe that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.

Train

by Zorha Edwards

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	137828 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	108 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Early Life and Education

Train Zorha Edwards was born on July 19, 1911, in the small town of Glenwood, Arkansas. Her parents, Liza and Henry Edwards, were sharecroppers who raised Train and her eight siblings in poverty. Despite the challenges she faced, Train excelled in school, graduating from high school with honors.

After high school, Train attended the Arkansas Baptist College, where she majored in education. She went on to earn a master's degree in education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

A Career on the Rails

In 1943, during the height of World War II, Edwards applied for a job as a train conductor with the Southern Pacific Railroad. At the time, the railroad industry was segregated, and there were no African American women working as conductors.

Despite the odds, Edwards was hired as a train conductor in September 1943. She was assigned to a freight train that ran between San Francisco and El Paso, Texas. At first, Edwards faced resistance from some of her fellow workers, who refused to work with an African American woman.

However, Edwards refused to be discouraged. She proved herself to be a skilled and capable conductor, and she quickly gained the respect of her colleagues. Over the next 30 years, Edwards worked as a train conductor, eventually rising to the position of general chairman of the Southern Pacific Railroad's Brotherhood of Railway Carmen.

Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Others

As the first African American woman to work as a train conductor in the United States, Edwards broke down barriers and paved the way for countless others. Her story inspired generations of African Americans to pursue careers in the railroad industry and other fields that had been traditionally closed to them.

Edwards was not only a trailblazer in the transportation industry, but she was also an active member of her community. She served on the board of directors of the Southern Pacific Railroad's Credit Union and was a member of the NAACP.

Retirement and Legacy

Edwards retired from the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1973. She spent her retirement years in Oakland, California, where she continued to be active in her community. She died on May 2, 2006, at the age of 94.

The legacy of Train Zorha Edwards continues to inspire generations of Americans. Her story is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a belief in oneself. Edwards's trailblazing spirit will forever be remembered as a symbol of the progress that can be made through breaking down barriers and embracing diversity.