The Porter" is a character study examining a family's three generational struggle to become homeowners. A Pullman Porter is faced with eviction from the company property that his family calls home. He passes on the importance of home ownership to his son, who grows and tries to buy his own home. However, Chicago in the 1970's has segregating communities down to a science and the son is forced to once again pass on the dream. Finally, in the present, the grandson of the Porter is able to purchase a home, though the significance of the moment is lost on him.