What an incredible story!

The trailblazing first Black woman to become a Union Pacific Railroad train engineer has just released a powerful new autobiography, according to reporting from KNOP News 2 (KNOP News 2).

Edwina “Curlie” Justus made history in the 1970s when she broke through racial and gender barriers to become the first Black woman engineer for Union Pacific Railroad. At a time when the railroad industry was overwhelmingly male and overwhelmingly white, Justus carved out a place for herself—and in doing so, expanded what was possible for future generations. Both she and her late husband, Art Justus, worked as engineers for Union Pacific in North Platte, Nebraska, operating trains throughout the region, with routes that stretched into Kansas and cities such as Cheyenne, Gering, and Marysville. Her newly released autobiography chronicles these experiences and offers an intimate look at her 22-year career.

“When I said that I wanted to be an engineer, I thought I was going to be an engineer in Omaha; I didn’t think they were going to send me to North Platte… There were times people told me I was like a token, and the only reason I got hired was because I was a Black female,” Justus recalled in interviews. Her honesty reveals both the resilience required to navigate an industry that often doubted her and the determination that carried her forward.

Born and raised in Omaha, Justus faced major life changes when she relocated to North Platte, far from the community she knew. Beyond the demands of the job, she encountered sexism, racism, and skepticism from people who questioned her ability or right to be there. Yet she also found strength in unexpected places—coworkers who encouraged her ambitions, mentors who recognized her talent, and, most importantly, her husband Art, who worked alongside her and supported her through every challenge. As she reflected, the encouragement she received from fellow railroad employees helped her stay committed to her dream despite the obstacles.

In addition to her historic engineering career, Justus later stepped into public service. In 1996, she ran for mayor of North Platte, finishing third out of six candidates—an impressive showing that underscored her local impact and respect in the community. Two years later, in 1998, she retired from the railroad and returned to Omaha, where she continued contributing to civic and community causes.

Her newly published book, “Union Pacific Engineer,” offers readers a vivid, firsthand account of life on the railroad, the highs and lows of breaking racial and gender barriers, and what it meant to be a Black woman in a fiercely male-dominated field during the 1970s. According to regional news coverage (KNOP News 2), the autobiography combines personal stories with historical insight, making it both a testament to her journey and a valuable contribution to American labor and civil rights history.

Congratulations to Ms. Curlie Justus—a true pioneer whose courage, vision, and perseverance continue to inspire. Her story reminds us that every barrier broken paves the way for others to rise.