Melvin was a sixteen-year-old boy. Standing at six-foot-four, strong back, and heart full of hope. He had just arrived in America from Kenya with his parents, looking for a life where hard work could lead to a better future.

The year was 1885, a time many people call the Gilded Age. The reason behind this name was because the United States looked shiny on the outside, but life was hard on the inside. Melvin and his family faced many challenges because of the Jim Crow Laws that kept people segregated.

Melvin and his family moved into a tiny, cramped tenement in a crowded city neighborhood. The building was dark, smelled of coal smoke, and had very little fresh air, making it a very rough place to live in.

Melvin went out every morning to look for work in the massive industrial factories. He saw huge machines and tall smokestacks, but noticed that workers were tired and worked many long hours for very little money.

He eventually settled for a job on the railroads. His height and large frame helped him reach and carry heavy iron bolts and wooden ties. Melvin had to be careful; however, as he had no safety gear and had to stay clear of any steam engines. He stood out for his large size to his workers around him, some often grew a jealousy towards Melvin.

At night, Melvin studied his books by candlelight because he knew being literate was the key to being successful. He remembered the words of leaders like Booker T. Washington, who taught that learning a skill and working hard were the best ways to earn respect.

Despite working just as hard, if not harder than his peers, he was getting paid less than the white workers because of racial discrimination. This upset him greatly, but also determined him even more to save up and help his family to a better home.

Melvin decided to join a group called the Knights of Labor, a union that welcomed all kinds of workers regardless of their background. In this group, they protested for shorter work days and fairer pay so that families wouldn't have to struggle so much.

The city Melvin was in was controlled by political machines that "promised" immigrant help. Melvin continued to stay close to his church and community instead.

20 Years Later...