2.22.22 – Profiles In Courage: Daniel Dunn

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Profiles In Courage: Daniel Dunn

Daniel Dunn is the grandfather of Sharon Dunn, LGA Flight Attendant and APFA Employee Assistance Program Specialist. Mr. Dunn was a Pullman Porter for the Pullman Company and worked for the train system in New York. In 1925, he and other employees, along with A. Phillip Randolph, helped organize and lead the first successful African American-led labor Union known as the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP).

(L to R): Daniel Dunn, grandfather of LGA Flight Attendant Sharon Dunn, and A. Phillip Randolph

This is a significant piece of the history in the fight for Black workers’ rights and how Unions have a responsibility to advocate for fairness and equity.

Sharon gave us a glimpse into the history of where she grew up in St. Albans, Queens, NY, and Farmers Blvd. From her family’s experience, the civil rights movement saw many famous Black entertainers move to St. Albans. Because of its significance, it is a historic district as designated by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.

The Addisleigh Park neighborhood has many historical homes and buildings and was home to big names who were also civil rights activists. Fats Waller, Count Basie, Lena Horne, Mercer Ellington, Cootie Williams, Earl Bostic, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Brown, Milt Hinton, and John Coltrane all called Addisleigh Park home.

Today, we recognize Daniel and Sharon for their advocacy and support of Unions through Mr. Dunn’s work with BSCP and Sharon Dunn’s advocacy on behalf of the APFA membership.

In Solidarity,

Paul Hartshorn, Jr.
APFA Communications
[email protected]

Teddy, Chaddrian, Rhonda and Charlotte
APFA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
[email protected]