Solon C. Bell facts for kids

Solon C. Bell was an important leader for workers in the United States. He helped many African American railroad employees join unions in the 1930s. Unions are groups that work to get fair pay and good working conditions for their members.

A Champion for Workers

Solon C. Bell was a strong voice for African American railroad workers. In the 1930s, he worked hard to help thousands of these employees become part of a union. This meant they could work together to ask for better wages and safer jobs.

Facing Challenges

Bell worked with another organizer named Ishmael Flory. Some union leaders did not agree with Bell and Flory's ideas. They made serious accusations against them, which led to Bell and Flory being fired from their jobs. After this, they decided to start their own union called the Dining Car and Railroad Food Workers' Union.

Leading the Way

Solon C. Bell became the president of the Dining Car and Railroad Food Workers' Union. Before this, he was also a leader for hotel workers and bartenders. He was even the chairman of a larger group called the Joint Council of Dining Car Employees Unions. This group included many dining car unions. In 1947, Bell faced more challenges when he was questioned by a committee from the United States Senate. He was accused of organizing workers in ways that were not approved. Bell chose not to answer some of the questions. He faced some minor charges, but he was not sent to jail.

Ida Roberta Bell: A Teacher Through Dolls

Solon C. Bell's wife was Ida Roberta Bell (1904–1992). She was a talented woman who created dolls of famous African American historical figures. She used these dolls to teach children about important people and events in history. Ida Roberta Bell was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Interestingly, Bell was also her maiden name before she married Solon.

See also

• Railway Labor Act