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One cassette tape. NKwanda Jah interviews Vinson, a member of the Gandy Dancers from Birmingham, Ala., who discusses his work on the railroads. Other members of the Gandy Dancers were present and can be heard in the background. Vinson gives some geneaological history before discussing his work for United States Steel beginning in 1947. He explains that most firemen on the railroads are left-handed due to the need to fire left handed. He describes working on bridge gangs across Alabama and Georgia, including a story about encountering a snake while working on one of the bridges. He discusses his life since retirement and working with the Gandy Dancers. Vinson recounts working with white workers on the bridge gangs. He explains the importance of the human element in railway work, and the role of the railroad companies in employing African Americans. He describes greasing his face with Vaseline to keep his skin from peeling.